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) has become one of the most important topics of environmental chemistry ever The volume, authored by leading experts, presents a balanced view on this rapidly developing, complex and still controversial subject for medical and non-medical readers Includes supplementary material: sn.pub/extras

Inhalt
Mechanisms and Detection of Hormone Action. Mechanisms of Estrogen Receptor-Mediated Agonistic and Antagonistic Effects. In Vitro Methods for Characterizing Chemical Interactions with Steroid Receptors. Antiandrogenic Effects of Environmental Endocrine Disruptors.- Exposure to Natural and Anthropogenic Estrogens. Chemistry of Natural and Anthropogenic Endocrine Active Compounds. Exposure to Endogenous Estrogen During Lifetime. Dietary Estrogens of Plant and Fungal Origin: Occurrence and Exposure. Alkylphenols and Bisphenol A as Environmental Estrogens. Hydroxylated Polychlorinated Biphenyls (PCBs) and Organochlorine Pesticides as Potential Endocrine Disruptors. The Endocrine Disrupting Potential of Phthalates.