endocrinedisrupting

Endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) are exogenous agents that interfere with the synthesis, secretion, transport, metabolism, binding, action, or elimination of natural hormones in the body. They can mimic or block hormones, alter receptor signaling, or affect hormone production and breakdown. Because hormones regulate development, reproduction, metabolism, and stress responses, EDCs can have effects at low doses, especially during sensitive developmental windows such as fetal development, infancy, and puberty. Health effects observed in studies include reproductive abnormalities, neurodevelopmental disorders, metabolic disease, immune dysfunction, and cancer risk, though outcomes are often context-dependent and may involve mixtures of chemicals.

Common sources include plastics and packaging (bisphenols, phthalates), pesticides (DDT, organochlorines), per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), flame retardants (PBDEs), and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs). Exposure routes include ingestion, inhalation, dermal contact, and maternal transfer during pregnancy. Research uses in vitro assays, animal studies, and epidemiological methods; translating findings to humans involves uncertainty and consideration of dose, timing, and mixtures.

Regulatory agencies in various regions assess hazard and exposure, sometimes designating EDCs as known or suspected endocrine disruptors and restricting their use in consumer products. Public health responses emphasize precaution, product labeling, phase-outs of certain chemicals, and development of safer alternatives. The field continues to study mechanisms of action, non-monotonic dose responses, and long-term outcomes.