The Endocrine Disruption Exchange, Inc. (TEDX) is a non-profit 501(c)3 organization located in Paonia, Colorado, 250 miles west of Denver. TEDX’s work focuses primarily on the effects of synthetic chemicals on the developing embryo and fetus and the consequences of that exposure later in life. Its work stems from the 1988 research findings in the Great Lakes region that wildlife and human mothers were transferring synthetic chemicals to their offspring through the egg or the womb and undermining their youngsters’ health. The anomalies in their offspring were the result of synthetic chemicals that caused disturbances of the endocrine system, which controls development and function -- and the perpetuation of all species. Following these findings, in 1991, 21 scientists representing 17 disciplines met to review what was known at that time about chemically-induced alterations in sexual development and came to the conclusion that “Unless the environmental load of synthetic hormone disruptors is abated and controlled, large scale dysfunction at the population level is possible.” From that meeting the terms “endocrine disruption” and “endocrine disruptors” were coined and the discipline of endocrine disruption evolved. From all of the above, a massive collection of literature relative to the topic also evolved.
TEDX has taken that collection of literature and adding to it on a monthly basis has built a comprehensive, multidisciplinary database about the effects of chemicals on wildlife, laboratory animals, and humans with an emphasis on low or ambient exposure levels. TEDX is purposefully structured to share this wealth of information with advocates striving to improve public health and to protect future generations. TEDX’s highly qualified staff stays abreast of the literature and uses technical “products” as tools to disseminate its findings. (See products.) Staff also respond to immediate requests for data, provide networking advice, and serve in advisory capacities at times. TEDX has worked with academicians, students, policy makers, public health authorities, physicians, grassroots groups, large NGOs, the media, and individuals. TEDX’s work is prevention oriented and proactive.