Effect of Organochlorines on Human Endocrine System

Abstract

Organochlorines are classified as persistent organic pollutants and endocrine disrupters. They were widely used for insect control and malaria vector control programs. Although most organochlorines were officially banned in many countries, high levels have been found in ecosystem and food chain. Because organochlorines act as endocrine disrupters and lipid soluble chemicals, it is difficult to excrete these environmental pollutants from the body, and consequently caused adverse effects on endocrine system in wildlife and humans. Epidemiological studies have suggested that exposure to organochlorines in adults linked with an increase incidence of reproductive tract abnormalities, decreased sperm quantities and qualities, and reproductive cancers. Furthermore, prenatal and postnatal exposure to organochlorines have been suggested to link with an increase risk of preterm birth, low birth weight, birth defect, acute infection, cryptorchidism, and hypospadia. Many scientists have concerned that low level of prenatal organochlorine exposure may cause irreversible changes during development and affect later functioning in adult life, and they would be warrant further detail investigations.