Endocrine disrupters: from research to public health practice

An Endocrine Disrupter (ED) is an exogenous substance or a mixture, that alters function(s) of the endocrine system, causing adverse health effects in an intact organism, or its progeny, or particularly vulnerable (sub) populations. Reproductive health, prenatal and infant development are the most susceptible stages. EDs specific effects are closely associated with the respective mode of action, which can be very different e. g., nuclear receptor agonism or antagonism. EDs can be divided into four main groups: persistent pollutants that can bioaccumulate in animals and plants; pesticides, biocides and compounds used in animal husbandry; industrial chemicals widely used in consumer products such as bisphenol A and phthalates, less potent than persistent pollutants and pesticides, but with a more widespread exposure and still not adequately regulated; substances naturally occurring in diet such as the mycotoxin zearalenone or bioactive food components such as phytoestrogens. For many multifactorial endocrine-related diseases EDs should be considered as preventable risk factors; main examples are fertility disorders as well as predisposition to metabolic syndrome and some types of cancer. Independent research is essential to integrate and update risk assessment based on the mode of action understanding, the development of possible biomarkers for population studies as well as priorities and targets for risk management and communication. Eur. J. Oncol., 17 (4), 161-173, 2012