Hormones, 4-androstene-3, 17-dione is a naturally occurring element found in the human body. It is also commonly used as an anabolic steroid and dietary supplement by humans and ends up in our water supply by excrement from other human beings. Trace amounts of hormones (4-Androstene-3,17-Dione) and other medications are present in many tap water supplies around the United States.
In 2008 the U.S. Geological Survey tested water in nine states across the country and found that 85 man-made chemicals, including some hormones & medications, were commonly slipping through municipal treatment systems and ending up in our tap water. Another report by the Associated Press found trace amounts of dozens of pharmaceuticals in the drinking water supplies of some 46 million Americans.
Human sex hormones are sometimes detected at low concentrations in drinking water. There are no current health guidelines to determine whether these exposures are safe, or if they could pose a risk to human health. 4-androstene-3, 17-dione is similar to testosterone. There is not a drinking water standard or health advisory level for 4-androstene-3, 17-dione at this time.
Health Effects
Human Sex Hormones (4-Androstene-3,17-Dione) are classified as endodrine disruptors. Once entering the body, endocrine disruptors can accumulate and intensify or block the effects of the body’s natural hormones. As a result, the effects of endocrine disruptors most profoundly impact the reproductive systems of human by reducing fertility, and increasing risk of developmental malformations in babies. Endocrine disruptors are also known to increase risk of cancer, and cause disturbances in immune and nervous system function.
Epic Water Filters has tested our products for the removal of Testosterone, Progesterone and Estrone (oestrone). See all of Epic Water Filters' Pharmaceuticals & Emerging Contaminants testing here.