Environmental Endocrine Toxicants : Biology, Effects, and Management

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.