“Endocrine Disrupting Chemicals in Your Environment” is the topic of the sixth annual Robert A. Flinn, M.D., Endowed Lectureship Series scheduled for 6 p.m. Wednesday Sept. 21 at Jump Simulation, 1306 N. Berkeley Ave., Peoria.

Presenting the lecture will be Dr. Gail S. Prins, Ph.D., professor of physiology and urology at University of Illinois at Chicago. Dr. Prins has 40 years of research experience in endocrinology, prostate carcinogenesis and environmental chemical exposures that drive disease.

She will provide an overview of endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) in the environment, what they are, where they come from, how they get into our bodies, how they might influence disease and how to reduce exposure.

Central Illinois is widely considered the bull’s eye for application of farm chemicals, many of which are considered endocrine disrupting. The chemicals are in air, water, food, dust and personal care products.

According to the World Health Organization, endocrine disrupting chemicals are mostly man-made and are found in pesticides, metals, additives or contaminants in food and personal care products. EDCs have been suspected to be associated with altered reproductive function in males and females; increased incidence of breast cancer, abnormal growth patterns and neurodevelopmental delays in children as well as changes in immune function.

The lecture is free and open to the public. For more information or to register, call 309-624-4533 or email mshea5@uic.edu or register online at http://go.uic.edu/flinn

Sponsors include University of Illinois College of Medicine at Peoria and Children’s Hospital of Illinois.