ABSTRACT
Endocrine disrupters are natural products or synthetic chemicals that interfere with the biosynthesis, secretion, transport, binding, action, or elimination of hormones in the body. They affect cellular homeostasis, reproduction, development, and/or its physiology. Effects may be reversible or irreversible, immediate (acute) or latent. Dose, timing, and duration of exposure at critical periods of life are important considerations for assessing the adverse effects of an endocrine disrupter. In males, these cause reproductive system abnormalities, including reduced sperm production, impaired fertility, testicular and prostate cancers, abnormal sexual development, alteration in pituitary and thyroid gland functions, immune suppression, and neurobehavioral effects. Endocrine disrupters are also popularly known as gender benders, mainly because evidence has shown disturbing trends in reproductive health. Contrary to the belief of some environmentalists that the human species is approaching a fertility crisis, there is available data that refute such conclusions.1-3 The fact remains that one in six couples has trouble conceiving, with males equally responsible for their infertility.
