Endocrine Disrupting Chemicals and the Effects They Play in Plant Regulators

Abstract

Over the past few decades, there has been increased global concern regarding Endocrine Disrupting Chemicals (EDCs). Endocrine disrupting chemicals, also known as Endocrine Disruptors (EDs), are chemicals that may interfere with the endocrine or hormonal systems in animals and humans. These chemicals can be manmade as well as naturally produced in the environment. While some chemicals have been found to be endocrine disruptors, mixed information and contradictory studies obscure the true severity of EDCs. In some cases, the data portrays endocrine disrupting chemicals as negative to human health and hazardous to the environment; examples of this include the research found against Bisphenol A. In the same nature, some EDCs or suspected EDCs like phytoestrogens are typically identified as helpful and beneficial. This review article aims to examine the mechanisms of regulation in endocrine disrupting chemicals and their effects on human health in efforts to shed light on some of the misconceptions often associated with EDCs.