Endocrine disruptors

The most commonly accepted definition adopted at European level is the one given by the WHO in 2002: an endocrine disruptor is an exogenous (outside the body) substance or mixture that alters function(s) of the endocrine system (hormone production) and consequently causes adverse health effects in an intact organism, or its progeny, or (sub)populations.

Imbalances and dysfunctions of the endocrine system can lead to well-known diseases, such as diabetes and obesity, infertility and certain types of cancer. In addition, disruption of the endocrine system may cause birth defects and learning disabilities.

Endocrine disruptors can have a natural origin such as phytoestrogens in soya or an artificial origin, such as bisphenol A, certain phthalates, certain pesticides, etc.
 

Sciensano provides advise on dossiers on substances suspected of endocrine disruption and analyses the migration of endocrine disruptors into food. Sciensano also analyzes the levels of endocrine disruptors in human tissues.

QR code

QR code for this page URL

Contacts

Scientific reports

There are currently no scientific publication associated to this health topic

Events

There are currently no events associated to this health topic

Other sources of information

There are currently no external links associated to this health topic

In the media

There are currently no media associated to this health topic