Endocrine
Disrupting Chemicals EDCs
Sebatian
Kimia Pengendala Hormon
Endocrine disrupting chemicals
(EDCs) and potential EDCs are mostly man-made, found in various materials such
as pesticides, metals, additives or contaminants in food, and personal care
products. EDCs have been suspected to be associated with altered reproductive
function in males and females; increased incidence of breast cancer, abnormal
growth patterns and neurodevelopmental delays in children, as well as changes
in immune function.
Human exposure to EDCs occurs
via ingestion of food, dust and water, via inhalation of gases and particles in
the air and through the skin. EDCs can also be transferred from the pregnant
woman to the developing fetus or child through the placenta and breast milk.
Pregnant mothers and children are the most vulnerable populations to be
affected by developmental exposures, and the effect of exposures to EDCs may
not become evident until later in life. Research also shows that it may
increase the susceptibility to non-communicable diseases.
In response to these concerns,
WHO published several publications, including the latest information on the
subject in the State of the Science of Endocrine Disrupting Chemicals
2012, which was done in collaboration with UNEP and key scientific
experts. A resolution to include EDCs as an emerging issue under Strategic
Approach to International Chemicals Management (SAICM) was also adopted in
September 2012 by the third International Conference on Chemicals Management
(ICCM3) in Nairobi during which WHO and UNEP jointly raised public awareness on
EDC issues during a ise-event and technical briefing session (partially
supported by the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences).
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