Endocrine-disrupting chemicals : an Endocrine Society scientific statement

There is growing interest in the possible health threat posed by
endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs), which are substances in our environment,
food, and consumer products that interfere with hormone biosynthesis, metabolism,
or action resulting in a deviation from normal homeostatic control or
reproduction. In this first Scientific Statement of The Endocrine Society, we
present the evidence that endocrine disruptors have effects on male and female
reproduction, breast development and cancer, prostate cancer, neuroendocrinology,
thyroid, metabolism and obesity, and cardiovascular endocrinology. Results from
animal models, human clinical observations, and epidemiological studies converge
to implicate EDCs as a significant concern to public health. The mechanisms of
EDCs involve divergent pathways including (but not limited to) estrogenic,
antiandrogenic, thyroid, peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma,
retinoid, and actions through other nuclear receptors; steroidogenic enzymes;
neurotransmitter receptors and systems; and many other pathways that are highly
conserved in wildlife and humans, and which can be modeled in laboratory in vitro
and in vivo models. Furthermore, EDCs represent a broad class of molecules such
as organochlorinated pesticides and industrial chemicals, plastics and
plasticizers, fuels, and many other chemicals that are present in the environment
or are in widespread use. We make a number of recommendations to increase
understanding of effects of EDCs, including enhancing increased basic and
clinical research, invoking the precautionary principle, and advocating
involvement of individual and scientific society stakeholders in communicating
and implementing changes in public policy and awareness.