Chemical components of plastics as endocrine disruptors: overview and commentary

Darbre, P. D. (2020) Chemical components of plastics as endocrine disruptors: overview and commentary. Birth Defects Research, 112 (17). pp. 1300-1307. ISSN 2472-1727 doi: 10.1002/bdr2.1778

Abstract/Summary

Bisphenol A and phthalate esters are used as additives in the manufacture of plastic materials, but their ability to leach out with age and heat has resulted in their becoming ubiquitous contaminants of the ecosystem including within human body tissues. Over recent years, these compounds have been shown to possess endocrine disrupting properties with an ability to interfere in the actions of many hormones and to contribute to human health problems. Much of the reported disruptive activity has been in relation to the action of estrogens, androgens, and thyroid hormones, and concerns have been raised for adverse consequences on female and male reproductive health, thyroid function, metabolic alterations, brain development/function, immune responses, and development of cancers in hormone-sensitive tissues. A recurring theme throughout seems to be that there are windows of susceptibility to exposure in utero and in early postnatal life, which may then result in disease in later life without any need for further exposure. This commentary highlights key issues in a historical context and raises questions regarding the many data gaps.

Item Type	Article
URI	https://reading-clone.eprints-hosting.org/id/eprint/93848
Identification Number/DOI	10.1002/bdr2.1778
Refereed	Yes
Divisions	Life Sciences > School of Biological Sciences > Biomedical Sciences
Publisher	Wiley
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