and the rereason for ththat is t that youngeger ildrn and fetuseses are deveveloping h more rapidly. their organ systems s are much morore sensi. >> what science is starting to show now is that early exposures to toxic chemicals at critical points when a child's in the womb has effects later in life. >> enendocrine disrsruptors are chemicals of growing concern. fetuses and children exposed to even minute amounts may develop a wide range of health conditions, from diminished intelligence to cancers later in life. our endocrine glands produce hormones that regulate the basic processes of our body, like metabolism, growth, reproduction, and development. endocrine disruptors disturb how these processes work. >> endocrine disrupting chemicals interfere with hormone signaling. proper hormone sisignaling g is very important fofor fetal d development and for r childhood dedevelopme, as wellll as sexual maturation. therefore, comompounds that interfere wiwith these processes could have very profounund effects. >> many of these and other chemicals appppear to be associated with lower i.q.s, an