Endocrine Effects of Prenatal Exposure to PCBs, Dioxins, and Other Xenobiotics:

Implications for Policy and Future Research

Linda S. Birnbaum / Environmental Health Perspectives Aug94 v.102, n.8

Toxicology Division, Health Effects Research Laboratory, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Research Triangle Park, NC 27711 USA

Abstract
Recent reports have suggested that environmental chemicals may be associated with endocrine alterations in people, wildlife, and experimental animals. Pharmacological investigations as well as natural poisoning episodes have led to the association between exogenous chemicals and alterations in multiple hormonal systems. Persistent environmental contaminants such as dioxins and PCBs have been shown to modulate the activities of several different hormones. The unborn child or the neonate may be at special risk from these chemicals because of rapid growth and development, in addition to enhanced exposure. Because most exposure to these persistent chemicals is via food, changes in dietary habits and/or reduced contamination of the food supply may be required. Key words: developmental toxicity, dioxins, hormones, PCBs, persistent chemicals, prenatal exposures, reproductive toxicity. Environ Health Perspect 102:676-679 (1994)

This paper has been reviewed in accordance with the policy of the Health Effects Research Laboratory, U.S. EPA, and approved for publication. Mention of trade names or commercial products does not constitute endorsement or recommendation for use. This paper was presented in part at "Preventing Child Exposures to Environmental Hazards: Research and Policy Issues," a symposium sponsored by the Children's Environmental Health Network, 18-19 March 1994.

Received 16 February 1994; accepted 4 May 1994.

Last Update: July 16, 1998