“The endocrine system, whether it’s in us or in fish, really influences every part of our life.”
— Vicki Blazer, U.S. Geological Survey scientist
WATER TREATMENT
20 years after fatal outbreak, Milwaukee leads on water testing
For the public officials who safeguard Milwaukee’s water, Cryptosporidium changed everything. Marion Ceraso reports. May 22, 2013
PROFILE
The hunt for endocrine disruptors
When Mark Ferrey started looking for endocrine disruptors in a dozen Minnesota lakes in 2007, he found them in every one — even the remote ones that were supposed to be pristine reference lakes. May 19, 2013
NEW RESEARCH
Studies: Endocrine disruptors, cocaine common in Minnesota waters
Two studies released May 13, 2013, by the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency show widespread contamination of the state’s waters with trace amounts of endocrine disruptors and other chemicals — including cocaine in a third of the lakes. Environmental experts say that these findings increase pressure to conduct similar studies of Wisconsin’s waters. May 13, 2013
HEALTH EFFECTS
Experts avoid sounding the alarm on chemicals — but adjust their own habits
Federal and state governments have issued scant guidance on the risks hormone-disrupting chemicals pose to people, but University of Wisconsin-Madison pediatric endocrinologist Ellen Connor is not waiting for an official verdict. April 24, 2013
SCIENCE & POLICY
Concerns grow about hormone-disrupting chemicals in Wisconsin waters
Endocrine disruptors have been called a “global threat” to people and wildlife, but Wisconsin is lagging behind Minnesota in testing its waters for them. April 21, 2013
Plus: Environmental agencies answer questions about endocrine disruptors
The fathead minnow is a dull, common bait fish, but it has become an important species for research on endocrine disruptors. Here, fish are being raised for research at a U.S. Environmental Protection Agency laboratory in Duluth, Minn. Kate Golden/Wisconsin Center for Investigative JournalismReporting this project
Kate Golden is a reporter and the Center’s multimedia director.
Water Watch Wisconsin
These stories launch a major new project, Water Watch Wisconsin. The Wisconsin Center for Investigative Journalism, Wisconsin Public Radio and Wisconsin Public Television are examining the quality and supply of Wisconsin’s water. Story ideas? Email water@wisconsinwatch.org.
On Wisconsin Public Radio
Reporter Kate Golden talked with Joy Cardin about Wisconsin’s approach to endocrine disruptors on April 22, 2013.
Listen to the program
Sidebars
CHEMICAL RESEARCH
Minnow reveals wastewater’s toxic effects
The more chemicals in the effluent, the more genes were affected.
Profiles: Chemicals in the water
Nonylphenol and BPA were among the chemicals commonly found in Minnesota’s waters.
Study: Chemical blend lowers fish testosterone
Researchers exposed minnows to a blend of linuron, an herbicide used to control grasses and weeds, and DEHP, a plasticizer used to make medical products.
HEALTH EFFECTS
Tainted fish
The chemicals that trigger fish consumption advisories in Wisconsin have all been associated with endocrine disruption.
Guidance for consumers
Experts’ tips on how to limit chemical exposures and your own impact on the environment.