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Advanced Physicochemical Treatment Technologies pp 485–504Cite as

Endocrine Disruptors

Properties, Effects, and Removal Processes

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Part of the book series: Handbook of Environmental Engineering ((HEE,volume 5))

Abstract

Endocrine disrupting compounds (EDCs) are defined as “chemicals that either mimic endogenous hormones, interfere with pharmacokinetics, or act by other mechanisms” (1). Adverse effects such as compromised reproductive fitness, functional or morphological birth defects, cancer, and altered immune functions, among others have been reported in the scientific literature (1–3). The term “endocrine disruptors” is used to describe substances that are not produced in the body but act by mimicking or antagonizing natural hormones. It is thought that EDCs may be responsible for some reproductive problems in both women and men as well as for the increases in the frequency of certain types of cancer. EDCs have also been linked to developmental deficiencies and learning disabilities in children. Because hormone receptor systems are similar in humans and animals, effects observed in wildlife species raise concerns of potential human health effects. During fetal development and early childhood, low-dose exposure to EDCs may have profound effects not observed in adults, such as reduced mental capacity and genital malformations. Evaluating potential low-dose effects of environmental estrogenic compounds has been identified as a major research priority.

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Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Lenox Institute of Water Technology, Lenox, MA

    Nazih K. Shammas PhD (Professor and Environmental Engineering Consultant,Ex-Dean and Director)

  2. Krofta Engineering Corporation, Lenox, MA

    Nazih K. Shammas PhD (Professor and Environmental Engineering Consultant,Ex-Dean and Director)

Authors
  1. Nazih K. Shammas PhD
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Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

  1. Lenox Institute of Water Technology, Lenox, MA

    Lawrence K. Wang PhD, PE, DEE  & Nazih K. Shammas PhD  & 

  2. Krofta Engineering Corporation, Lenox, MA

    Lawrence K. Wang PhD, PE, DEE  & Nazih K. Shammas PhD  & 

  3. Zorex Corporation, Newtonville, NY

    Lawrence K. Wang PhD, PE, DEE

  4. Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Cleveland State University, Cleveland, OH

    Yung-Tse Hung PhD, PE, DEE

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© 2007 The Humana Press Inc., Totowa, NJ

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Shammas, N.K. (2007). Endocrine Disruptors. In: Wang, L.K., Hung, YT., Shammas, N.K. (eds) Advanced Physicochemical Treatment Technologies. Handbook of Environmental Engineering, vol 5. Humana Press. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-59745-173-4_10

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