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Interview with CHE Partner, Theo Colborn, PhD
 Professor, University of Florida, Gainesville; President, The Endocrine Disruption Exchange (TEDX); Co-Author, Our Stolen Future
Steve Heilig: What first brought you into environmental health work?
During the mid-1970s energy crisis when our western valley was selected as a sacrifice area because it holds one of the largest lodes of low sulfur high BTU coal. Our already marginal water resources (quality and quantity) were at extreme risk.
What is the primary goal/mission of your organization/project?
The Endocrine Disruption Exchange, Inc., (TEDX’s) mission is to gather, organize and interpret scientific research relevant to chemicals called endocrine disruptors. Endocrine disruptors are chemicals that interfere with hormones, enzymes, growth factors, neurotransmitters, and any other signaling chemicals or processes that control development and function.
TEDX's goal is to prevent exposure to and to reduce the production and use of endocrine disruptors.
TEDX's strategy to achieve this goal is to provide customized scientific information to academicians, policy makers, government employees, community-based groups, health-affected organizations, physicians, the media and concerned citizens.
TEDX's role is to assure the integrity of the science behind the endocrine disruption movement and to provide the foundation for sound advocacy.
What have been the most significant obstacles and successes you have encountered and achieved in this work to date?
From the very beginning five major trade associations with the backing of the top ten major corporations that produce chemicals or use them in their products spent millions to counter every new discovery and almost every inch of progress made. Under the present administration they have been extremely successful. Despite this opposition, success can still be measured by the increasing number of dedicated scientists from many disciplines with open minds who have grasped the concept of endocrine disruption and by using new approaches are producing the evidence that has triggered the intense backlash we see today. I am certain that they and the truth will prevail. The question is of course “But will it be soon enough?”
What is the number one change you would like to see for the future of environmental health?
Cleaning up the womb environment.
What or who continues to inspire you in your work?
I get my encouragement from, and I also feel a responsibility to, those dedicated scientists who understand the implications of endocrine disruption. They are like an extended family -- an army of silent heroes working at the cutting edge. Despite the recent actions taken by our government to cut off all research related to the health of our children, I am certain that these people will unearth the truth about the overt effects of chemicals and reverse the pollution of the womb. TOP
Posted: 20 April 2006
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