[img_inline align=”right” src=”http://padnws01.mcmaster.ca/images/Foster_Warren.jpg” caption=”Warren Foster”]We are exposed to chemicals on a daily basis, both intentionally and unintentionally. Whether they are in the food we eat, the water we drink, the medicine we take, or because we indulge in bad habits like smoking — chemicals are a part of everyday life.

There is yet another chemical threat to our health that has caused concern in recent years and Warren Foster, an expert on environmental toxicants and dietary chemicals will speak about them at tomorrow's (May 9) Science in the City lecture “Hormone Mimics and Human Health”.

Foster, the director of the Centre for Reproductive Care and the Reproductive Biology Division in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology will discuss the state of the science of the human health effects of hormone mimics.

These are chemicals that behave like hormones that are released into our environment, but the sources, the routes they take to our bodies and the amount of exposure are largely unknown.

Foster will highlight what we know, what we don't know and need to investigate, and emerging issues in this complex and rapidly evolving field of study.

“If men are exposed to these hormone mimics, they run an increased risk of a lower sperm count and a higher risk of testicular cancer, while women have an increased risk of endometriosis and breast cancer,” explains Foster.

His presentation will also show how women and men have different body burdens — the level of contamination in their adipose tissue — that vary from city to city in Canada. He will also talk about the implications to our health and steps that can be taken to minimize our exposure.

This Science in the City lecture is free and all are welcome. The lecture takes place on Tuesday, May 9 at 7 p.m. in The Hamilton Spectator Auditorium, 44 Frid Street in Hamilton. To reserve a seat call 905-525-9140 extension 24934 or email sciencecity@mcmaster.ca