Endocrine Disruptors: Part II (The Handbook of Environmental Chemistry (3 / 3M)) (Pt. 2)

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 (Part I) and M (the present volume, 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. cover.jpg 1 fulltext.pdf 2 fulltext_001.pdf 27 fulltext_002.pdf 69 fulltext_003.pdf 109 fulltext_004.pdf 131 fulltext_005.pdf 171 fulltext_006.pdf 187 fulltext_007.pdf 208 fulltext_008.pdf 247 fulltext_009.pdf 269 Breast cancer is the most common neoplastic disease in women worldwide with an incidence of 796,000 new cases and a mortality rate of 314,000 deaths annually [1].