Pesticides estrogenic effects

Soto AM, Chung KL, Soimenschein C. 1994. The pesticides endosulfan, toxaphene, and dieldrin have estrogenic effects on human estrogen-sensitive cells. Environ Health Perspect 102(4) 380-383. 

A wide variety of chemicals have been shown to have endocrine disruption effects, including various types of pesticides, surfactants amd detergents, plasticizers and resins, metals, PCBs, dioxins, PAHs, and pharmaceuticals (see table 11.1). Also, several natural chemicals have been shown to have estrogenic effects, as well as those manufactured for specific reproductive use by humans (e.g., birth control and anabolic steroids). The following types of effects have been linked to endocrine disrupters in animals and/or humans ... 

Women who have been in contact with toxafene have an increased estrogen level in the initial period of the menstrual cycle. Moreover, there was no clear phase change, which shows that hormonal regulation was disrupted [15]. The negative impact of even low doses of OCPs on pregnancy has been proved, especially in the third trimester [1]. It has been shown many times that there is a correlation between embryo death and pesticide content in the mother s body [1]. We will now quote several results of the study of pesticides effects on pregnancy and birth. 

Organochlorine pesticides are nerve poisons in both insects and mammals. Action mechanisms are complex and not yet fully understood. They have been shown to have estrogen-like effects (ref. 84a), to inhibit testicular growth and secondary sex characteristics in cockerels and mice (DDT), to induce persistent estrus in rats, and to affect fertility, gestation, lactation and survival times. 

Current concerns with estrogenic compounds and their influence on a broad range of reproductive disorders, along with possible carcinogenic effects, have renewed interest in chlorinated pesticides. The need for ongoing scientific research to assess the potential risk posed by these compounds seems inevitable. 

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