Endocrine Disruption and Human Health

Endocrine Disruption and Human Health starts with an overview of what endocrine disruptors are, the issues surrounding them, and the source of these chemicals in the ecosystem. This is followed by an overview of the mechanisms of action and assay systems. The third section includes chapters written by specialists on different aspects of concern for the effects of endocrine disruption on human health. Finally, the authors consider the risk assessment of endocrine disruptors and the pertinent regulation developed by the EU, the US FDA, as well as REACH and NGOs. The book has been written for researchers and research clinicians interested in learning about the actions of endocrine disruptors and current evidence justifying concerns for human health but is useful for those approaching the subject 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 to cutting-edge research investigating concerns for human healthPresents a comprehensive, translational look at all aspects of endocrine disruption and its effects on human healthOffers guidance on the risk assessment of endocrine disruptors and current relevant regulatory considerations

SECTION 1 – OVERVIEW and SCOPE 1. What is endocrine disruption? 2. Which chemicals are endocrine disruptors? SECTION 2 – MECHANISMS and ASSAY SYSTEMS 3. Environmental oestrogens: disrupters of oestrogen action  4. Disrupters of androgen action  5. Assay systems for studying endocrine disruption  6. Non-monotonic responses in endocrine disruption  7. Endocrine disrupters as modifiers of endogenous hormone synthesis SECTION 3 – CONCERNS FOR HUMAN HEALTH 8. Endocrine disruption and female reproductive health  9. Endocrine disruption and breast cancer  10. Endocrine disruption and male reproductive health  11. Endocrine disruption and prostate cancer 12. Endocrine disruption and thyroid disease 13. Endocrine disruption of adrenal function  14. Endocrine disruption of developmental pathways and children’s health 15. Endocrine disruption of immune function 16. Endocrine disruption and obesity, metabolic syndrome and type 2 diabetes 17. Endocrine disruption and cardiovascular disease 18. Transgenerational effects of endocrine disruption 19. Regulatory considerations