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Highlighting cutting-edge research on human exposure to endocrine toxicants and the related harmful effects, this book focuses on the challenges of dealing with increasing pollution levels, increased use of synthetic chemicals, and environmental endocrine disruptors that endanger the human endocrine system and its hormones. Found in manmade and natural substances and materials, these toxicants include pesticides, herbicides, industrial chemicals, solvents and byproducts, phytoestrogens, nanomaterials, and chemicals used in personal care products. They may mimic or interfere with the body's hormones and are linked with developmental, reproductive, brain, immune, and other problems. The volume discusses the chemical nature and mechanisms of endocrine disruptors, their sources, the impact of endocrine toxicants on a sustainable environment, and the effect of endocrine toxicants on human health, such as on thyroid glands, on human reproduction, etc. The volume also looks at the therapeutic effects of medicinal plants on endocrine disorders in humans.

Endocrine Disruptors in the Environment A concise and engaging overview of endocrine disruption phenomena that brings complex concepts within the reach of non-specialists For most of the last decade, the science of endocrine disruption has evolved with more definitive evidence of its damaging potential to health and environment. This book lists the major environmental chemicals of concern and their mechanism of endocrine disruption including remedial measures for them. Divided into three parts, Endocrine Disruptors in the Environment begins with an overview of the endocrine system and endocrine disruptors, discussing their salient features and presenting a historical perspective of endocrine disruption phenomena. It then goes on to cover hormone- signaling mechanisms, followed by various broad classes of putative endocrine disruptors, before introducing readers to environmental epigenetic modifications. Part two of the book focuses on removal processes of various EDCs by biotic and abiotic transformation/degradation. The last section consists of four chapters embracing themes on finding solutions to environmental EDCs—including their detection, regulation, replacement, and remediation. Endocrine Disruptors in the Environment is the first book to detail the endocrine effects of several known environmental contaminants and their mechanism of endocrine disruption. Additionally, it: Covers both the chemistry and biology of endocrine disruption and compiles almost all the known endocrine disrupting environmental chemicals and their mechanisms of toxicity Addresses policy and regulatory issues relevant to EDCs including scientific uncertainty and precautionary policy Brings forth the use of Green Chemistry principles in avoiding endocrine disruption in the designing and screening for safer chemicals and remediation of the EDCs in aquatic environment Includes a useful glossary of technical terms, a list of acronyms, topical references, and a subject index Endocrine Disruptors in the Environment is an ideal book for environmental chemists and endocrine toxicologists, developmental biologists, endocrinologists, epidemiologists, environmental health scientists and advocates, and regulatory officials tasked with risk assessment in environment and health areas.

There is great concern regarding the reproductive and health hazards of endocrine disruptors. Research indicates that men are experiencing declining fertility and an increased incidence of prostate cancer, while women are dealing with increased infertility, early menopause, and breast cancer. As new research reveals the previously unknown risks of