An outline of endocrine disrupting chemicals and the influencing hormones: what the human society ought to know?

Abstract

Endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) are exogenous chemicals that interfere with hormones action, thereby increasing the risk of adverse health outcomes, including cancer, reproductive impairment, cognitive deficits and obesity. A complex literature of mechanistic studies provides evidence on the hazards of EDC exposure, yet there is no widely accepted systematic method to integrate these data to help identify EDC hazards. Significant advances in research into endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) and their health effects have elevated concerns in recent years about these chemicals among a number of international scientific and health organizations. The research reviewed here provides knowledge about EDC’s that health scientists can use to inform their research and decision-making processes. Keywords: Endocrine disrupting chemicals, hormones action, cancer, reproductive impairment, cognitive deficits and obesity