An introduction to the sources, fate, occurrence and effects of endocrine disrupting chemicals released into the environment

• Published in: Environmental research Vol. 207; p. 112658
• Main Authors: Metcalfe, C.D., Bayen, S., Desrosiers, M., Muñoz, G., Sauvé, S., Yargeau, V.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Netherlands Elsevier Inc 01.05.2022
• Subjects: air; alkylphenols; Bioaccumulation; bisphenol A; bromination; chlorinated hydrocarbons; Endocrine disrupting chemicals; Endocrine Disruptors - analysis; endocrine system; environmental quality; Fate; Flame Retardants; Humans; Hydrocarbons, Chlorinated; invertebrates; organotin compounds; phthalates; soil; Sources; surveys; Transformation; Water Pollutants, Chemical - analysis; Transformation; Bioaccumulation; Sources; Fate; Endocrine disrupting chemicals
• ISSN: 0013-9351; 1096-0953; 1096-0953
• DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2021.112658

Many classes of compounds are known or suspected to disrupt the endocrine system of vertebrate and invertebrate organisms. This review of the sources and fate of selected endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) in the environment includes classes of compounds that are “legacy” contaminants, as well as contaminants of emerging concern. EDCs included for discussion are organochlorine compounds, halogenated aromatic hydrocarbons, brominated flame retardants, per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, alkylphenols, phthalates, bisphenol A and analogues, pharmaceuticals, drugs of abuse and steroid hormones, personal care products, and organotins. An exhaustive survey of the fate of these contaminants in all environmental media (e.g., air, water, soil, biota, foods and beverages) is beyond the scope of this review, so the priority is to highlight the fate of EDCs in environmental media for which there is a clear link between exposure and endocrine effects in humans or in biota from other taxa. Where appropriate, linkages are also made between the fate of EDCs and regulatory limits such as environmental quality guidelines for water and sediments and total daily intake values for humans. •EDCs include “legacy” contaminants and compounds recently introduced to the market.•Several EDCs are subject to bioaccumulation and biomagnification.•Transformation products of some chemicals disrupt the endocrine system.•For some EDCs, the strongest link to effects is through exposures of humans.•For other EDCs, the strongest link to effects is through exposures of biota.