Environmental Contaminants and Endocrine Health

Book excerpt: Environmental Contaminants and Endocrine Health focuses specifically on contaminants with hormonal disrupting activities. The book provides insights into the multiple effects of endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) and their mechanism of action (MoA) on metabolism, reproduction and the multiple physiological roles of the endocannabinoid system which has recently been indicated as new target. The content systematically covers EDC sources and effects, EDCs as sources of disease and health impairment in laboratory models, EDCs as the cause of disease and health impairment in humans and wild species, and the removal of hazardous pollutants from wastewaters to highlight intervention, mitigation and adaptation for reduced threat. This content will be a foundational resource for academic and research staff in endocrinology and hormone toxicology as well as for professors, researchers and students in these areas. Includes important foundational coverage of the endocrine system, definitions of EDC sources and descriptions, model examples and mechanisms of action biological effects Provides coverage of EDC effects in humans and animals, from metabolic alterations to epidemiological studies of fertility and metabolism Presents insights into the confirmed and suspected human diseases spectrum with origins linked to EDC exposure, including cancers, intellectual disabilities, autism, birth defects of the urethra (hypospadias), decreased sperm count, increased rates of miscarriage, obesity, type 2 diabetes, and more