Endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) are exogenous substances that interfere with the normal functions of the endocrine system, often by disrupting hormone synthesis, secretion, metabolism, and/or transport.[1] These substances are found in the environment (air, water, soil) as well as in foods, medical devices, and personal care and household products. Some occur naturally, like the phytoestrogens in soy, whereas others are manufactured, like flame retardants and bisphenol A. Endocrine-disrupting chemicals are ubiquitous and have been detected in human urine, blood, sweat, hair, and even breastmilk.[2][3]
There is evidence suggesting that EDCs can negatively affect reproductive health. Exposure to certain air pollutants, parabens, and polybrominated biphenyls is associated with irregular menstrual cycles,[4] and EDCs may also increase the risk for ovarian aging (which may result in a decline in fertility).[5] More research is needed to determine the causal effects of EDCs in humans as well as the dosages at which they could potentially do harm.[6]
References
- ^Diamanti-Kandarakis E, Bourguignon JP, Giudice LC, Hauser R, Prins GS, Soto AM, Zoeller RT, Gore ACEndocrine-disrupting chemicals: an Endocrine Society scientific statement.Endocr Rev.(2009-Jun)
- ^Genuis SJ, Beesoon S, Lobo RA, Birkholz DHuman elimination of phthalate compounds: blood, urine, and sweat (BUS) study.ScientificWorldJournal.(2012)
- ^M Stefanidou, C Maravelias, C SpiliopoulouHuman exposure to endocrine disruptors and breast milkEndocr Metab Immune Disord Drug Targets.(2009 Sep)
- ^Karissa C Hammer, Alexis Veiga, Shruthi MahalingaiahEnvironmental toxicant exposure and menstrual cycle lengthCurr Opin Endocrinol Diabetes Obes.(2020 Dec)
- ^Ting Ding, Wei Yan, Ting Zhou, Wei Shen, Tian Wang, Milu Li, Su Zhou, Meng Wu, Jun Dai, Kecheng Huang, Jinjin Zhang, Jiang Chang, Shixuan WangEndocrine disrupting chemicals impact on ovarian aging: Evidence from epidemiological and experimental evidenceEnviron Pollut.(2022 Jul 15)
- ^A C Gore, V A Chappell, S E Fenton, J A Flaws, A Nadal, G S Prins, J Toppari, R T ZoellerEDC-2: The Endocrine Society's Second Scientific Statement on Endocrine-Disrupting ChemicalsEndocr Rev.(2015 Dec)