The result is that the normal transmission of signals from hormones is disrupted, much like a telephone line with static, which can lead to serious problems such as underdeveloped sex organs and deficiencies of the immune system which in turn may cause malignant tumors, infertility, and even extinction for some species.
這類化學物質可以模擬生物體內的天然荷爾蒙，誘使不知情的內分泌腺「受體」與之結合，結果就像是電話線路被佔據般，擾亂、阻斷了正常的荷爾蒙訊息傳遞，造成的結果十分慘重。例如男女的性器官發育不全、免疫系統受損等各種失調現象，引發生物不孕、絕種及惡性腫瘤等危害。