Environmental chemicals, including some phthalate plasticizers, were found to be weakly estrogenic. A study screened 20 organic chemicals in sewage effluents and found that half could bind to the estradiol receptor. Among them, butylbenzyl phthalate (BBP), di-n-butylphthalate (DBP), and butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA) showed estrogenic activity, though less potent than octylphenol. These chemicals are common in plastics and can bioconcentrate in animal fat. The study suggests that these chemicals may contribute to human health issues, such as reproductive disorders and cancers, but further research is needed to confirm their in vivo effects. Phthalates, widely used in plastics, are prevalent in the environment and can leach into water, soil, and food. They are lipophilic and can accumulate in fatty tissues. While some phthalates show estrogenic activity in vitro, their effects in vivo are not fully understood. The study highlights the need for further research to assess the potential health impacts of these chemicals. The findings suggest that many environmental chemicals may have estrogenic properties, raising concerns about their role in human and wildlife health. The study emphasizes the importance of understanding the estrogenic activity of chemicals in the environment to assess their potential impact on reproductive and endocrine systems.Environmental chemicals, including some phthalate plasticizers, were found to be weakly estrogenic. A study screened 20 organic chemicals in sewage effluents and found that half could bind to the estradiol receptor. Among them, butylbenzyl phthalate (BBP), di-n-butylphthalate (DBP), and butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA) showed estrogenic activity, though less potent than octylphenol. These chemicals are common in plastics and can bioconcentrate in animal fat. The study suggests that these chemicals may contribute to human health issues, such as reproductive disorders and cancers, but further research is needed to confirm their in vivo effects. Phthalates, widely used in plastics, are prevalent in the environment and can leach into water, soil, and food. They are lipophilic and can accumulate in fatty tissues. While some phthalates show estrogenic activity in vitro, their effects in vivo are not fully understood. The study highlights the need for further research to assess the potential health impacts of these chemicals. The findings suggest that many environmental chemicals may have estrogenic properties, raising concerns about their role in human and wildlife health. The study emphasizes the importance of understanding the estrogenic activity of chemicals in the environment to assess their potential impact on reproductive and endocrine systems.