The endocrine disrupters: a major medical challenge

Endocrine disruptors (EDs), chemicals capable of disrupting the normal functioning of the endocrine system, may pose a growing threat to human and wildlife health. These compounds can modulate both the endocrine and immune systems resulting in alteration of homeostasis, reproduction, development and behavior. The hypothesis that chemicals in the environment have caused endocrine disruption is discussed along with important issues in the assessment of the risk of such disruption. Emphasis is put on the most significant pathological effects, namely impacts on the male reproductive tract, female gynecological system, human fertility, thyroid function and the central nervous system. (C) 2002 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.