Endocrine Disrupting Chemicals

This book provides comprehensive coverage of the three most important themes in the field of Endocrine Disrupting Chemicals (EDC) research: the basic biology of EDCs, particularly their effects on reproductive systems; EDC effects on humans and wildlife, including biomedical considerations; and potential interventions and practical advice for dealing with the problem of EDCs.

This volume offers a detailed and comprehensive analysis of Endocrine Disrupting Chemicals (EDCs), covering their occurrence, exposure to humans and the mechanisms that lead to the parthogenesis of EDCs-induced metabolic disorders. The book is divided into three parts. Part I describes the physiology of the human endocrine system, with special emphasis on various types of metabolic disorders along with risk factors that are responsible for the development of these disorders. Part II addresses all aspects of EDCs, including their role in the induction of various risk factors that are responsible for the development of metabolic disorders. Part III covers up-to-date environmental regulatory considerations and treatment strategies that have been adopted to cure and prevent EDCs-induced metabolic disorders. This section will primarily appeal to clinicians investigating the causes and treatment of metabolic disorders. The text will also be of interest to students and researchers in the fields of Environmental Pharmacology and Toxicology, Environmental Pollution, Pharmaceutical Biochemistry, Biotechnology, and Drug Metabolism/Pharmacokinetics.

The rise in the incidence of health problems such as reproductive disorders and testicular and breast cancer has been linked by some to endocrine disrupting chemicals in the environment. The role of food in transmitting these chemicals is uncertain and a topic of considerable research. This important book addresses key topics in this area. The first part of the book reviews the impacts of endocrine disrupting chemicals on health and behaviour, with chapters on the effect of dietary endocrine disruptors in such areas as the developing foetus, cancer and bone health. Parts two and three focus on the origin and analysis of endocrine disruptors in food products and risk assessment. Topics addressed include surveillance, analysis techniques such as biosensors, exposure assessment and the relevance of genetics, epigenetics and genomic technologies to the study of endocrine disrupting chemicals. Concluding chapters discuss examples of selected endocrine disrupting chemicals associated with food, such as dioxins, polychlorinated biphenyls and brominated flame retardants, bisphenol A and phytoestrogens and phytosterols. With its distinguished editor and international team of contributors, Endocrine-disrupting chemicals in food is an essential reference for all those concerned with ensuring the safety of food. Reviews the impacts of endocrine disrupting chemicals on health and behaviour including cancer and reproductive disorders Addresses the origin and analysis of endocrine disruptors with chapters on surveillance and analysis techniques Examines the relevance of genetics, epigenetics and genomic technologies to endocrine disrupting chemicals

Long-term environmental effects of chemical exposure have long been of concern and, more recently, chemicals which cause changes to the sexual development of exposed organisms have been identified. It is thought that low-level exposure to a wide range of chemicals may be affecting endocrine function, leading to a reduction in fertility and an increase in reproductive cancers. Endocrine Disrupting Chemicals reviews the scientific evidence and attempts to put the subject into context. Along with an overview of the issue, there is discussion of the specialised aspects in relation to wildlife; environmental oestrogens and male reproduction; and naturally occurring oestrogenic substances. With contributions from representatives of the Medical Research Council's Institute for Environment and Health and the US Environmental Protection Agency, the articles provide a comprehensive and detailed review of current issues. This book will be of interest to a wide readership, including industrial and environmental scientists, managers and policy makers.

Insight into the role of hormones, particularly estrogen and testosterone, in health and disease etiology - including interactions with other hormone pathways - has dramatically changed. Estrogen and androgen receptors, with their polymorphisms, are key molecules in all tissues and are involved in a number of homeostatic mechanisms but also pathological processes including carcinogenesis and the development of metabolic and neurological disorders such as diabetes and Alzheimer's disease. Endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) can interfere with the endocrine (hormone) systems at certain dosages and play a key role in the pathology of disease. Most known EDCs are manmade and are therefore an increasing concern given the number commonly found in household products and the environment. This book will cover the mechanisms of EDC pathology across the spectrum of disease, as well as risk assessment and government and legal regulation to provide a holistic view of the current issues and cutting-edge research in the topic. With contributions from global leaders in the field, this book will be an ideal reference for toxicologists, endocrinologists and researchers interested in developmental biology, regulatory toxicology and the interface between environment and human health.

Updated with new and expanded chapters, Endocrine Disruption and Human Health, Second Edition provides an introduction to what endocrine disruptors are, the issues surrounding them, the source of these chemicals in the ecosystem and the mechanisms of action and assay systems. Contributions by specialists are included to discuss the varying effects of endocrine disruption on human health, and procedures for risk assessment of endocrine disruptors, and current approaches to their regulation are also covered. With new material on topics such as low-term, low dose mixtures, windows of susceptibility, epigenetics, EDCs effect on the gut microbiome, EDCs in from polluted air and oral exposures, green chemistry, and nanotechnology, the new edition of Endocrine Disruption and Human Health is a valuable and informative text for academic and clinical researchers and other health professionals approaching endocrine disruption and its effects on human health for the first time, graduate students, and advanced undergraduate students. Provides readers with access to a range of information from the basic mechanisms and assays through to cutting-edge research investigating concerns for human health Presents a comprehensive, translational look at all aspects of endocrine disruption and its effects on human health Offers guidance on the risk assessment of endocrine disruptors and current relevant regulatory considerations Newly added content on topics like low-term, low dose mixtures, windows of susceptibility to EDCs, EDCs effect on the gut microbiome, green chemistry, and nanotechnology

"Wide variety of pesticides and other synthetic chemicals may disrupt the normal function of the endocrine system, cause alteration and also attack the immune system of humans and wildlife at very low concentration levels. Chapter one of this book provides an overview of analytical methods, including sample preparation steps, chromatographic separation and detection of endocrine disrupting pesticides in a variety of food, environmental and biological matrices. Chapter two studies endocrine disrupting compound (EDC) exposure from recycled wastewater compared to other water related risks in developed and developing nations. Chapter three summarizes the role of EDCs on pregnancy and birth outcomes, included but not limited to fertility problems, premature birth, low birth weight, and miscarriage along with in-vitro, animal, and epidemiological studies. In the last chapter, the worst EDCs will be revealed and their related potential hazardous health risks to humans are discussed. Furthermore, suggestions to help the reader avoid such toxic chemicals are presented"--

Endocrine Disrupting Chemicals (EDCs) have been shown to produce changes in the endocrine system of organisms that lead to increases in cancers and abnormalities in reproductive structure and function. Recent research has highlighted the existence of hormonally active compounds in sewage and industrial effluents and their potential for recycling back into the environment - including drinking water supplies- through point sources and non-point sources. Endocrine Disrupters in Wastewater and Sludge Treatment Processes presents the latest research on EDCs, covering the sources, fate, and transport of EDCs in sewage and industrial effluents, and sludge treatment and disposal options in light of effects on receiving environments. In addition, the authors review current legislation, future research needs, and potential management strategies for endocrine disrupters in the environment.