Endocrine disruptors, sometimes also referred to as hormonally active agents, endocrine disrupting chemicals, or endocrine disrupting compounds are chemicals that can interfere with endocrine systems. These disruptions can cause cancerous tumors, birth defects, and other developmental disorders. Endocrine disruptors are compounds that bind nuclear hormone receptors or mimic endogenous hormone signaling and alter normal endocrinology (Crews and McLachlan 2006). A large number of environment compounds, such as plastics and pesticides, contain endocrine disruptor activity. Other endocrine disruptors block the effects of a hormone from certain receptors (e.g. growth hormones required for normal development). Endocrine disruptors are found also in synthetic chemicals used as industrial solvents, lubricants, and their byproducts. These include polychlorinated biphenyls. Endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) are environmental chemicals that mimic, block, or interfere with hormones in the body.Nowadays, endocrine-disrupting chemicals are considered to be one of the main causes of the ever-increasing occurrence of problems with male fertility. Known as endocrine disruptors, these substances increase production of certain hormones and decrease production of others. Some chemicals, both natural and man-made, can interfere with the hormonal system. They are called 'endocrine disruptors'.
Scientific Tracks Abstracts: Pediatrics & Therapeutics