Endocrine effects of pesticides

Yıl 2017, Sayı: Issue 1(2) - 3. INTERNATIONAL BIOCIDAL CONGRESS, 21 - 21, 01.02.2017

Sevim Sibel Demir Nazan Akçalı Muhsin Akbaba

Öz

Common
household products –detergents, disinfectants, plastics, and pesticides–contain
chemical ingredients that enter our bodies, disrupt hormones and cause adverse
developmental, disease, and reproductive problems. Known as endocrine
disruptors, these chemicals, which interact with the endocrine system, wreak
havoc in humans and wildlife. Endocrine Disruptors (EDs) are defined by WHO as
exogenous compounds or mixtures that alter function(s) of the endocrine system
and consequently cause adverse effects in an intact organism, or its progeny,
or (sub)populations. Endocrine disruptors have been linked to attention deficit
hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), Parkinsons, Alzheimers, diabetes, cardiovascular
disease, obesity, early puberty, infertility and other reproductive disorders,
and childhood and adult cancers. Many pesticides are now suspected of being
endocrine disruptors - chemicals that can lead to an increase in birth defects,
sexual abnormalities and reproductive failure. EDCs have been suspected to be
associated with altered reproductive function in males and females; increased
incidence of breast cancer. Reproductive specialists attribute a worldwide
sperm count decline by approximately 50%. The onset of puberty in girls,
shifting the mean from 11.2 years to 8.9 years for African Americans and 10.0
years for Caucasian girls, is linked to chemical exposure that stimulates sex
hormones. Scientists believe that neurological disorders observed in children,
such as ADHD and autism, may be related to the prenatal chemical disruption of
the thyroid system. Certain pesticides are believed to alter thyroid function,
interfere with brain development and cause deficits in cognitive functions in
the developing fetus. Other effects include physical and mental retardation,
alterations of the cardiovascular system and musculoskeletal defects,
alterations of the menstrual cycle, obesity, and failure to develop secondary
sex characteristics.

 

 

 

Keywords: pesticide, endocrine effects, Endocrine Disruptors

Anahtar Kelimeler

Endocrine effects of pesticides

Kaynakça

• Sevim Sibel Demir, Nazan Akçalı, Muhsin Akbaba Osmaniye Public Health Directorate Adana Public Health Directorate Çukurova University Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health