Endocrine disruptor

An endocrine disruptor is an external chemical that interferes with hormone production, transport, action, or breakdown, altering endocrine signaling in an organism.

Hormone receptor: A cellular protein that binds a hormone or similar molecule and triggers or regulates a biological response. Some disruptors bind hormone receptors and mimic or block the natural signal.
Endocrine disruptor screening: Testing procedures used to identify chemicals that may interfere with endocrine signaling. Screening assays look for receptor activity, altered hormone production, and related biological effects.
Developmental origins of health and disease: A framework linking early-life conditions to health and disease risks later in life. Hormone signaling guides development, making exposure during sensitive periods a central concern.
Rachel Carson: An American marine biologist and author whose 1962 book Silent Spring examined environmental harms from pesticides. Her work helped focus public attention on the biological consequences of persistent chemicals.
Endocrine Society: An international professional organization for researchers and clinicians studying hormones and endocrine disorders. Its scientific statements review evidence and unresolved questions about endocrine-disrupting chemicals.
Estrogen receptor: A receptor protein activated by estrogens that regulates gene expression and other cellular responses. Many studied disruptors alter signaling through this receptor, including by acting as weak estrogen mimics.
OECD Test Guidelines: Internationally harmonized protocols for testing chemicals and assessing their hazards. Several guidelines provide standardized assays relevant to endocrine activity and effects.
Fetal programming: The process by which conditions during fetal development can produce lasting changes in physiology. Disrupted hormonal cues may alter developing organs and later function.
Theo Colborn: An American environmental health scientist who helped develop the modern concept of endocrine disruption. She synthesized evidence connecting contaminants with altered development and reproduction in wildlife.
Endocrine disruptor identification criteria: Rules used to determine whether a chemical meets a scientific or regulatory definition of endocrine disruption. Different criteria affect which chemicals are identified and what evidence regulators require.

Linked from 32 pages