Endocrine Disruptors Part 1 (the Handbook Of Environmental Chemistry, Volume 3 Anthropogenic Compounds Part L)

The field of endocrine disruption or endocrine active compounds (EACs), which is just emerging and still controversial, is comprehensively covered by leading experts in **Volume 3**, **Subvolumes L** (the present volume, Part I) and **M****(Part II). The major classes of endocrine active chemicals** **are discussed, as well as methods for their detection and** **their association with health disturbances in humans and** **wildlife. The etiology of several of the human diseases** **associated with endocrine disruptors, e.g. breast and** **prostate cancer, decreased fertility and malformations, is** **still poorly understood, and the current state of knowledge** **is presented. Since hormonally active agents appear to have** **the potential of both adverse and beneficial effects, the** **evidence of health benefits associated with endocrine active****compounds in humans is also presented. Basic chapters on the****mode of action of EACs and on the etiology of the associated****diseases facilitate the understanding of this complex** **subject for non-medical readers.** The field of endocrine disruption or endocrine active compounds (EACs), which is just emerging and still controversial, is comprehensively covered by leading experts in Volume 3 , Subvolumes L (the present volume, Part I) and M (Part II). The major classes of endocrine active chemicals are discussed, as well as methods for their detection and their association with health disturbances in humans and wildlife. The etiology of several of the human diseases associated with endocrine disruptors, e.g. breast and prostate cancer, decreased fertility and malformations, is still poorly understood, and the current state of knowledge is presented. Since hormonally active agents appear to have the potential of both adverse and beneficial effects, the evidence of health benefits associated with endocrine active compounds in humans is also presented. Basic chapters on the mode of action of EACs and on the etiology of the associated diseases facilitate the understanding of this complex subject for non-medical readers. Mechanisms of Estrogen Receptor-Mediated Agonistic and Antagonistic Effects....Pages 1-25 In Vitro Methods for Characterizing Chemical Interactions with Steroid Hormone Receptors....Pages 27-38 Antiandrogenic Effects of Environmental Endocrine Disruptors....Pages 39-61 Chemistry of Natural and Anthropogenic Endocrine Active Compounds....Pages 63-80 Exposure to Endogenous Estrogens During Lifetime....Pages 81-99 Dietary Estrogens of Plant and Fungal Origin: Occurrence and Exposure....Pages 101-128 Alkylphenols and Bisphenol A as Environmental Estrogens....Pages 129-153 Hydroxylated polychlorinated Biphenyls (PCBs) and Organochlorine Pesticides as Potential Endocrine Disruptors....Pages 155-167 The Endocrine Disrupting Potential of Phthalates....Pages 169-201 pts. A-G, J, M. [without special titles] pt. H. Organosilicon materials pt. I. PAHs and related compounds. Chemistry pt. K. New types of persistent halogenated compounds pt. L. Endocrine disruptors, pt. 1 pt. N. Organofluorines pt. O. Persistent organic pollutants P. Natural production of organohalogen compounds Q. Phthalate esters R. Organic bromine and iodine compounds T. Traffic and environment X. Synthetic musk fragrances in the environment. Estrogens exert a vast variety of effects in wildlife and humans.