Reviews in Environmental Health, 1998
Environmental Health Perspectives 106, Supplement 1, February 1998

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Environmental Endocrine Disruption: An Effects Assessment and Analysis*

Thomas M. Crisp,1,2 Eric D. Clegg,1,2 Ralph L. Cooper,2 William P. Wood,2 David G. Anderson,3 Karl P. Baetcke,3 Jennifer L. Hoffmann,3 Melba S. Morrow,3 Donald J. Rodier,3 John E. Schaeffer,3 Leslie W. Touart,3 Maurice G. Zeeman,3 and Yogendra M. Patel4

1National Center for Environmental Assessment, 2Office of Research and Development, 3Office of Prevention, Pesticides, and Toxic Substances, 4Office of Water, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Washington, DC

Abstract

This report is an overview of the current state of the science relative to environmental endocrine disruption in humans, laboratory testing, and wildlife species. Background information is presented on the field of endocrinology, the nature of hormones, and potential sites for endocrine disruption, with specific examples of chemicals affecting these sites. An attempt is made to present objectively the issue of endocrine disruption, consider working hypotheses, offer opposing viewpoints, analyze the available information, and provide a reasonable assessment of the problem. Emphasis is placed on disruption of central nervous system-pituitary integration of hormonal and sexual behavioral activity, female and male reproductive system development and function, and thyroid function. In addition, the potential role of environmental endocrine disruption in the induction of breast, testicular, and prostate cancers, as well as endometriosis, is evaluated. The interrelationship of the endocrine and immune system is documented. With respect to endocrine-related ecological effects, specific case examples from the peer-reviewed literature of marine invertebrates and representatives of the five classes of vertebrates are presented and discussed. The report identifies some data gaps in our understanding of the environmental endocrine disruption issue and recommends a few research needs. Finally, the report states the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Science Policy Council's interim position on endocrine disruption and lists some of the ongoing activities to deal with this matter. -- Environ Health Perspect 106(Suppl 1):11-56 (1998). http://ehpnet1.niehs.nih.gov/docs/1998/Suppl-1/11-56crisp/abstract.html

Key words: endocrine, hormone, disruption, environment, wildlife, human health, risk assessment

Manuscript received at EHP 3 September 1997; accepted 17 October 1997.
*A U.S. EPA Risk Assessment Forum Project.
Disclaimer: This document has been reviewed in accordance with U.S. Environmental Protection Agency policy and approved for publication. Mention of trade names or commercial products does not constitute endorsement or recommendation for use.
Address correspondence to Dr. T.M. Crisp, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, National Center for Environmental Assessment (8623), 401 M Street SW, Washington, DC 20460. Telephone: (202) 260-3860. Fax: (202) 260-8719. E-mail: crisp.thomas@epamail.epa.gov
Abbreviations used: alpha-NE, alpha-noradrenergic; Ah, aryl hydrocarbon; AIS, androgen insensitivity syndrome; AMH, anti-Mullerian hormone; APE, alkylphenol-polyethoxylates; AR, androgen receptor; BKME, bleached kraft mill exposure; cAMP, 3´,5´-cyclic AMP; ChAT, choline acetyltransferase; CNS, central nervous system; DDD, tetrachlorodiphenylethane; DDE, 1,1-dichloro-bis(p-chlorophenyl)ethylene; DDT, 1,1,1-trichloro-2,2-bis(p-chlorophenyl)ethane; DES, diethylstilbestrol; DHT, dihydrotestosterone; E/T ratio, estradiol/testosterone ratio; ETU, ethylene thiourea; FSH, follicle-stimulating hormone; GnRH, gonadotropin-releasing hormone; hCG, human chorionic gonadotropin; LH, luteinizing hormone; N-OH-DMAB, N-hydroxy-3,2´-dimethyl-4-amino biphenyl; NOEL, no-observed effects level; PAHs, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons; PCBs, polychlorinated biphenyls; PCDD, polychlorinated dibenzo- -dioxin; PTU, propylthiouracil; Q*, carcinogenic potency factor; RfD, reference dose; SHBG, sex/steroid hormone-binding globulin; T3, triiodothyronine; T4, thyroxine; TBG, thyroxine-binding globulin; TBT, tributyltin; TCDD, tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin; TCDF, 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzofuran; TEBG, testosterone-estrogen-binding globulin; THC, tetrahydrocannabinol; TSD, temperature-dependent sexual determination; TSH, thyroid-stimulating hormone; UV, ultraviolet.

 

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