Endocrine Disrupting Chemicals and Effects on Public Health

Endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) are exogenous chemicals that have been found to alter the functions of the endocrine system and cause adverse effects by interfering with the synthesis, metabolism, binding or cellular responses of natural hormones. EDCs follow several mechanisms of action, which includes hormone agonist and antagonist activity and influence cellular receptors and effect enzyme activity. EDCs have been shown to disrupt endogenous estrogen, androgen and thyroid hormone activity. Exposures to EDCs have been most effective during critical periods in development. EDCs have been shown to induce fat formation, effect beta-pancreatic cells, effect insulin and glucocorticoid levels and have direct correlation with mechanisms that underlie obesity and regulate the occurrence of diabetes, leading to consecutive ailments such as PAD, gangrene, etc. Factors such as the duration of exposure, host immune health and nervous system stability all influence the effect EDC has on its host. Most EDCs are found in pesticides and industrially produced chemicals and products such as water bottles, food containers, pipes, toys, paint, etc. Adverse effects from exposure include precocious puberty, poor sperm quality, hypospadias, premature breast development, thyroid disorders, thyroid hormone level disruption, irregular body size and growth, stress handling and metabolic effects. Taken together, endocrine disruptors have become a realistic problem for public health, showing direct correlation with many prominent ailments. Thus, knowledge of EDCs and their contribution to the growing ailments in society may help us prevent further exposure and protect our public health.