Possible consequences of early exposure to endocrine disruptors

Sa？etak Endocrine disruptors (EDs) are exogenous chemicals that alter the endocrine system function and have adverse effects on animal and human health. Synthesized compounds such as pesticides, industrial chemicals and their by-products, natural mycotoxins and phyto-oestrogens are included in the group of permanently present harmful compounds. The second group contains occasionally used chemicals (personal care products, pharmaceutical agents). The harmful effects of ED are tested in wildlife and laboratory animals, in cell cultures, and in human epidemiological and clinical research. The consequences of early exposure to ED have been demonstrated in disorders of the reproductive and endocrine systems, the occurrence of metabolic disorders and diseases, and neurological disorders. Some of the consequences are passed onto the next generations. In early childhood, it is important to detect and investigate the indicators of foetal exposure to harmful chemicals, to identify high- and low-risk groups for ED exposure, and to conduct prospective studies of the correlation of exposure with clinical outcomes throughout childhood and adolescence