Summary:
Endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) are environmental substances that interfere with hormones. They can mimic or block natural hormones and disrupt normal signalling, with early-life exposure considered particularly harmful. This study is a literature review that analysed 31 publications from 2020-2025. Across the included literature, EDCs such as bisphenol A, phthalates, pesticides, and perfluorinated compounds were linked to widespread exposure through food, plastics, cosmetics, water, and household environments. These chemicals can accumulate in the body and disrupt hormone receptors, enzyme activity, and metabolic pathways. Reported health effects included reproductive disorders (such as infertility, developmental abnormalities, and hormone-related cancers), metabolic disease (including obesity and type 2 diabetes), and neurological effects (including altered neurodevelopment and cognitive outcomes in children). Mechanisms commonly described included oxidative stress, inflammation, endocrine disruption, and epigenetic changes. Additional findings linked EDC exposure to cardiovascular dysfunction, bone disorders, and gut microbiota disruption. Overall, this study concluded that EDCs are widespread environmental pollutants associated with multi-system health effects. While evidence is strong, key mechanisms remain unclear. The authors emphasised the need for improved regulation, reduced exposure, and further research, particularly in vulnerable populations such as children and pregnant women.
Read the Complete Article >
Abstract:
Endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) are widespread environmental contaminants that interfere with hormonal regulation, affecting metabolism, reproduction, neurodevelopment, and overall health. This review presents an overview of recent evidence on the health effects and biological mechanisms of EDCs, with a focus on their impact on hormonal balance and quality of life. An integrative literature review was conducted using 28 peer-reviewed articles published between 2020 and 2025, retrieved from databases such as PubMed, Scopus, and ScienceDirect. The selected studies explored the physiological and pathological effects of EDCs in humans. Compounds, such as bisphenol A, phthalates, and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), can mimic or block hormones, disrupt endocrine signaling pathways, and bioaccumulate in tissues. Exposure, especially during critical developmental windows, is linked to metabolic disorders, infertility, neurodevelopmental delays, and hormone-sensitive cancers. Common exposure sources include food, air, household dust, water, and personal care products. Key mechanisms of action involve receptor binding interference, oxidative stress, and epigenetic alterations. EDCs pose a significant and growing threat to public health, warranting urgent regulatory measures, increased public awareness, and continued research to mitigate long-term health consequences.
Article Publication Date: 04/11/2025
DOI: 10.7759/cureus.83890
