In the last few decades, the theme of endocrine disruption and endocrine
disrupting chemicals has become more and more relevant, raising alarm in the
scientific community and amongst public health officials, as well as questioning the
traditional concepts of toxicology. This chapter is a revision and summary of the latest
information and articles concerning this subject. It discusses the terms and definitions
of endocrine disruption, the sources and mechanisms of action of these chemicals both
naturally and artificially made, reviewing the potential adverse development,
reproductive, neurological, and immune effects that they can have on the different
systems in the body, and how they can relate to the different epidemics of cancer,
diabetes and obesity. It also provides the latest up-to-date information on the tests and
methods used to detect and assess these entities, offering ideas and lines of future
investigation to attempt to better understand the knowledge in this field and reduce the
potential threat of these environmental hazards to mankind.
Keywords: Agonist, Antagonist, BPA, Cancer, DDT, Diabetes, Dioxins,
Endocrine disruptor, Environment, Estrogen receptor, Half-live, Health, Hormone
system, Obesity, PCBs, Pesticides, Phthalates, Reproductive system, Stability,
Thyroid.
