Environmental Fate of Endocrine Disrupting Compounds—Analytical Problems and Challenges

Abstract

Exposure to substances possessing sex steroid activities can adversely effect endocrine and reproductive systems in humans and wildlife. Studies have found significant increases in the incidence of breast, prostate and testicular cancer. The others have reported decreasing sperm counts and semen volume and longer times to conception. These findings are complemented by field study data indicating that wild and domesticated organisms are also experiencing compromised reproductive and developmental abruptions.

The paper presents the review of recent works conducted in the field of specific environmental pollution posed by endocrine disrupting compounds (EDCs). The modes of toxic action, division of chemicals belonging to EDCs, in vivo and in vitro assays serving endocrine potency determination, as well as results of concentration levels determinations in air, water and solid samples are given in a comprehensive way.

Keywords:

• Endocrine disrupting compounds (EDCs)
• environmental pollution
• hormones
• xenobiotics

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

The studies have been carried out within the framework of the project financed by the Ministry of Science and High Education.