Endocrine disrupting chemicals: Impact on human health, wildlife and the environment

Abstract

Endocrine disrupting chemicals are a group of pollutants that can affect the endocrine system and lead to diseases and dysfunctions across the lifespan of organisms. They are omnipresent. They are in the air we breathe, in the food we eat and in the water we drink. They can be found in our everyday lives through personal care products, household cleaning products, furniture and in children’s toys. Every year, hundreds of new chemicals are produced and released onto the market without being tested, and they reach our bodies through everyday products. Permanent exposure to those chemicals may intensify or even become the main cause for the development of diseases such as type 2 diabetes, obesity, cardiovascular diseases and certain types of cancer. In recent years, legislation and regulations have been implemented, which aim to control the release of potentially adverse endocrine disrupting chemicals, often invoking the precautionary principle. The objective of this review is to provide an overview of research on environmental aspects of endocrine disrupting chemicals and their effects on human health, based on evidence from animal and human studies. Emphasis is given to three ubiquitous and persistent groups of chemicals, polychlorinated biphenyls, polybrominated diphenyl ethers and organochlorine pesticides, and on two non-persistent, but ubiquitous, bisphenol A and phthalates. Some selected historical cases are also presented and successful cases of regulation and legislation described. These led to a decrease in exposure and consequent minimization of the effects of these compounds. Recommendations from experts on this field, World Health Organization, scientific reports and from the Endocrine Society are included.

Micro QuEChERS-based method for the simultaneous biomonitoring in whole blood of 360 toxicologically relevant pollutants for wildlife

“…If we take as a reference the list of substances included in the monitoring programs for residues in food for human consumption, at least 200 chemicals should be considered as worrisome in the European Union (EC, 2019a). Unfortunately, the excessive use of these agricultural pesticides causes their penetration into ecosystems and can compromise the health and even survival of many biological species (Encarnacao et al, 2019;Klich et al, 2020;Krief et al, 2017;Plaza et al, 2019). Also, deliberate abuse of pesticides to poison wildlife occurs throughout the world (Bille et al, 2016;Fajardo et al, 2012;Hernandez and Margalida, 2008;Motas-Guzman et al, 2003;Ntemiri et al, 2018;Ogada, 2014;Ruiz-Suarez et al, 2015).…”

Human Health Consequences of Endocrine-Disrupting Chemicals

“…The number of EDCs has markedly increased over the past 60 years. Humans are constantly exposed to hundreds of EDCs mainly through air, water, and food [1][2][3][4][5][6][7][8][9].…”

“…There is also a possibility of transgenerational effects. By interfering with hormonal functions, EDCs can contribute to a variety of dysfunctions and diseases including obesity, diabetes, reproductive disorders, and cancers [1][2][3][4].…”

Removal of Pharmaceuticals from Water by Free and Imobilised Microalgae

“…Certain pharmaceuticals, such as ethinyl oestradiol, diclofenac and paracetamol, are known to cause endocrine disruption in the organisms [ 5 , 6 ]. Increasing evidence is emerging on the implications of endocrine disrupting chemicals in the environment and wildlife, and on human health, at very low doses [ 7 ]. Effects on biota have been reported at concentrations in the range of ng per litre [ 8 , 9 ].…”