Endocrine-Disrupting Pesticides - Pesticides: Evaluation of Environmental Pollution - page 607

20
Endocrine -Disrupting Pesticides
Shafiullah, H. S. Rathore, and Leo M. L. Nollet
CONTENTS
20.1 Introduction ........................................................................................................................ 607
20.2 Endocrine Systems of Animals and Men ....................................................................... 609
20.2.1 Axes Within the Endocrine System..................................................................... 610
20.3 Secretion from Glands: Hormones.................................................................................. 610
20.4 Endocrine System and Hormones of Insects ................................................................. 611
20.5 Chemical Communication Between Cells...................................................................... 612
20.5.1 Chemical Regulators ............................................................................................. 612
20.5.2 Receptor................................................................................................................... 613
20.6 Endocrine Disruption........................................................................................................ 613
20.7 Endocrine-Disrupting Pesticides..................................................................................... 615
20.8 Current Literature.............................................................................................................. 619
20.9 Endocrine Action of DDT ................................................................................................. 620
References..................................................................................................................................... 623
20.1 Introduction
Compounds that interfere with natural hormone functions have many names: environmen-
tal estrogens, xenoestrogens, endocrine disruptors, endocrine modulators, or environmental
hormones. Although all scientists do not accept one specific term, endocrine disruptors (EDs)
and endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) are most likely used most widely.
A number of pesticides are known to interfere with the endocrine system and thereby
impair fertility and the development of animals and possibly also of humans.
The following definition is mentioned in the Special Report on Environmental Endocrine
Disruption: An Effects Assessment and Analysis (EPA 1997): “An environmental endocrine or
hormone disruptor may be defined as an exogenous agent that interferes with the synthesis,
secretion, transport, binding, action, or elimination of natural hormones in the body that are
responsible for the maintenance of homeostasis, reproduction, development, and/or behavior.”
During the last decade, considerable amounts of scientific and financial resources have
been employed to clarify the potential risk to human health of EDCs. Pesticides and some
of their metabolites are an important group of EDCs.
Agriculture in all countries has become strongly dependent on chemicals for crop
protection. Farmers are exposed to pesticides during planting and cultivation of crops,
pesticide applications, mixing, loading, and cleaning of application equipment. Farmers
may be at greater risk if they incorrectly handle, store, or dispose of pesticides or if they
do not wear protective clothes. Developing countries consume many times more (80%
of all) pesticides produced worldwide. Agricultural workers from developing countries
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