Exposing the hidden sources of endocrine-disrupting chemicals and their related potential effects on human health

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingChapterpeer-review

Abstract

In the recent years, or to be exact since the middle of the last decade, the possible adverse effects of synthetic (man-made) and naturally occurring chemicals on the human and animal endocrine system have been the topic of many scientific and medical researches. These concerns were even highlighted further when the research began to show that these chemicals can influence the endocrine system at very low concentrations close to parts per trillion levels where the effects may be cumulative, potentially appearing in subsequent generations. Thus, these resulting effects might be both irreversible and threatening to the human sustainable development. These chemicals, known as Endocrine Disrupting Chemicals (EDCs), can be found in numerous places and products throughout the world since they are used, just to name a few, in everyday consumer products, household items, cleaning products, cosmetics, industrial processes, and waste disposal. EDCs are so widespread since they are heavily and clandestinely utilized by many manufacturers due to their stability, non-degradability, and high profitability. Consequently, humans can be exposed to EDCs through food, water, air, consumer products, and contaminated soil. Once exposed, EDCs can enter the human body via ingestion, inhalation, or skin permeation, where they can reside for a long time and interfere with the body's ability to regulate its growth, metabolism, development, and hormone balance by mimicking, blocking or disrupting the body's natural hormones. A number of observations of adverse health effects have been made in which EDCs could play a role, including but not limited to: declining sperm counts, congenital malformations in children, cancer, retarded sexual development, and retarded neurobehavioral development. In this chapter, the worst EDCs will be revealed and their related potential hazardous health risks to humans will be discussed. Furthermore, suggestions to help the reader avoid such toxic chemicals will be presented.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationEndocrine Disrupting Chemicals
Subtitle of host publicationOccurrence, Exposures and Health Risks
PublisherNova Science Publisher Inc.
Pages157-177
Number of pages21
ISBN (Electronic)9781634852470
ISBN (Print)9781634852319
StatePublished - 1 Jan 2016

Keywords

  • Consumer products
  • DDT
  • Endocrine disrupting chemicals
  • Endocrine system
  • Mirex

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