Endocrine disruptors and child health

Endocrine disruptors are chemicals that may interfere with the body's endocrine system and produce adverse developmental, reproductive, neurological, and immune effects in both humans and wildlife. This issue of Hormone Research in Paediatrics covers their impact on child health. It reviews history, toxicology, epidemiology, pathophysiology, and major clinical implications including the effects on neuroendocrine pathways, growth, obesity, steroidogenesis, puberty timing, and thyroid function. Human exposure to endocrine disruptors occurs via ingestion of food, dust, and water, inhalation of gases and particles in the air, and through the skin. Chemicals can also be transferred from mother to child through the placenta or breast milk. The critical windows of exposure and the transgenerational effects are discussed along with prevention strategies to potentially minimize exposure and reduce risk.