Book description
Enables researchers to assess the effects of endocrine disrupters
as well as comply with new environmental regulations
Endocrine disrupters are chemicalsÂ-both man-made and naturalÂ-that
interfere with the body's endocrine system, potentially resulting in
adverse developmental, reproductive, neurological, and immune effects.
In recent years, a number of regulatory authorities around the world
have drafted or enacted legislation that requires the detection and
assessment of the effects of endocrine disrupters on both humans and
wildlife. In response, this book provides comprehensive, up-to-date
information on the latest tested and proven methods used to detect and
assess the environmental hazards posed by endocrine-disrupting chemicals.
Endocrine Disrupters is divided into chapters covering each
major taxon as well as chapters dedicated to hazard assessment and
regulation. The book covers testing methods for all the vertebrate
groups and several invertebrate phyla, including:
- Crustaceans and mollusks
- Insects
- Fish
- Amphibians and reptiles
- Birds and mammals
Moreover, the book emphasizes practical, ethical testing methods that
combine sensitivity, efficiency, statistical power, and reasonable cost.
Each chapter is written by one or more international experts in
ecotoxicology, offering readers step-by-step guidance for implementing
each method based on the latest research and the authors' firsthand
laboratory experience. Furthermore, all the chapters have been
subjected to a rigorous peer review and edited in light of the
reviewers' comments. References at the end of each chapter guide
readers to the literature in the field.
Endocrine Disrupters is recommended for scientists who need to
test chemicals for possible endocrine-disrupting properties. It is
also recommended for regulatory authorities who need to decide whether
particular chemicals can be safely marketed.
PETER MATTHIESSEN, PhD, is an aquatic ecotoxicologist who works
as an independent consultant. Specializing in the study of endocrine
disrupters, he has conducted extensive research into how sewage
effluents cause feminization in wild male fish as well as how
tributyltin-based antifoulants cause masculinization in wild female
mollusks. Professor Matthiessen is a member of the UK Advisory
Committee on Pesticides and Co-chair of the OECD Validation Management
Group for Ecotoxicity Tests. He has contributed to the development of
standardized ecotoxicity assays with sensitivity for endocrine
disrupters as well as written guidance for the interpretation of the
resulting data.
