Implications of Endocrine-Disrupting Chemicals for Human Health and Effective Methods for Prevention and Reduction
4 affiliations
- 1Endocrinology, Fundamental Discipline, Department 1, Iuliu Hațieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Victor Babeș Street, Nr. 8, 400347 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
- 2Department of Internal Medicine, 4th Medical Discipline, Iuliu Hațieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Republicii Street, No. 18, 400015 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
- 3Laboratory of Molecular and Biomolecular Complexes, Department of Molecular and Isotopic Technologies, National Institute for Research and Development of Isotopic and Molecular Technologies, Donat Street, Nr. 67-103, 400293 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
- 4Anatomy, Fundamental Discipline, Department 1, Iuliu Hațieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Victor Babeș Street, Nr. 8, 400347 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
Abstract
Endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) are a heterogeneous group of exogenous compounds capable of interfering with hormonal homeostasis and endocrine-regulated physiological processes. Their widespread occurrence in food, water, air, consumer products and industrial materials has raised increasing concern regarding their contribution to chronic disease burden. This review synthesizes current evidence on the exposure characteristics, molecular mechanisms, health effects, and prevention strategies related to major EDC classes, including bisphenol A and phthalates, dioxins and polychlorinated biphenyls, per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, pesticides, and brominated flame retardants. Evidence indicates that EDCs may act through receptor-mediated signaling, altered hormone synthesis and metabolism, oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction, immune modulation, and epigenetic mechanisms, with effects that may vary according to dose, timing, sex, age, and developmental susceptibility. Reported health outcomes include metabolic and cardiovascular disorders, reproductive dysfunction, hormone-dependent cancers, thyroid disruption, immune dysregulation, and adverse developmental effects. Although complete avoidance is unrealistic, exposure reduction and risk mitigation can be achieved through coordinated individual, clinical, environmental, and regulatory interventions. A life-course approach is essential to limit the health burden associated with endocrine disruption.
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BibTeX
@article{ghermanlencu2026implications,
title = {{Implications of Endocrine-Disrupting Chemicals for Human Health and Effective Methods for Prevention and Reduction}},
author = {Codruța-Claudia Gherman-Lencu and Teodora Alexescu and Cristian Muresanu and Cezara-Andreea Gerdanovics and Mircea Vasile Milaciu and Ioana Iancu},
journal = {Toxics},
year = {2026},
month = jun,
doi = {10.3390/toxics14060515},
url = {https://doi.org/10.3390/toxics14060515},
note = {CC BY},
}
RIS
TY - JOUR
TI - Implications of Endocrine-Disrupting Chemicals for Human Health and Effective Methods for Prevention and Reduction
AU - Codruța-Claudia Gherman-Lencu
AU - Teodora Alexescu
AU - Cristian Muresanu
AU - Cezara-Andreea Gerdanovics
AU - Mircea Vasile Milaciu
AU - Ioana Iancu
PY - 2026
DA - 2026/06/12
JO - Toxics
DO - 10.3390/toxics14060515
UR - https://doi.org/10.3390/toxics14060515
AB - Endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) are a heterogeneous group of exogenous compounds capable of interfering with hormonal homeostasis and endocrine-regulated physiological processes. Their widespread occurrence in food, water, air, consumer products and industrial materials has raised increasing concern regarding their contribution to chronic disease burden. This review synthesizes current evidence on the exposure characteristics, molecular mechanisms, health effects, and prevention strategies related to major EDC classes, including bisphenol A and phthalates, dioxins and polychlorinated biphenyls, per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, pesticides, and brominated flame retardants. Evidence indicates that EDCs may act through receptor-mediated signaling, altered hormone synthesis and metabolism, oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction, immune modulation, and epigenetic mechanisms, with effects that may vary according to dose, timing, sex, age, and developmental susceptibility. Reported health outcomes include metabolic and cardiovascular disorders, reproductive dysfunction, hormone-dependent cancers, thyroid disruption, immune dysregulation, and adverse developmental effects. Although complete avoidance is unrealistic, exposure reduction and risk mitigation can be achieved through coordinated individual, clinical, environmental, and regulatory interventions. A life-course approach is essential to limit the health burden associated with endocrine disruption.
SN - 2305-6304
ER -