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Endocrine

Endocrine-disrupting chemicals in the Australian environment

Discussion Paper - Background and current research in Australia

The endocrine system in humans and other organisms regulates the production of hormones that, in turn, control many important biological functions, such as reproduction. Endocrinedisrupting chemicals (EDCs) are substances that, upon entering an organism, interfere with the normal functioning of hormone systems. Chronic, low-level exposure to EDCs has been linked with a number of reproductive disorders in both humans and wildlife. In wildlife these can include abnormal sex-organ development, (more)...

Targeting endocrine disruptors in Australia's waterways

When the media reported the intriguing story of ‘gender bending’ chemicals causing fish in UK streams to develop male and female sex organs, research teams began to investigate the cause. The gender benders, actually endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs), were mainly natural and man-made hormones excreted by humans, and some industrial chemicals. Even in trace amounts, the EDCs alter levels of hormones and specific proteins. This in turn causes intersex (both (more)...

Endocrine Disrupting Chemicals in the Australian Riverine Environment

There is growing community concern about the trace levels of certain organic chemicals in the environment, especially in wastewater or reclaimed water. Certain chemicals in the environment have been shown to interact with the endocrine system of organisms. These compounds are generally referred to as endocrine disrupting chemicals or EDCs. An EDC has been defined as “an exogenous substance or mixture that alters the function of the endocrine system and can (more)...