Endocrine Disrupters

Enables researchers to assess the effects of endocrinedisrupters as well as comply with new environmentalregulations Endocrine disrupters are chemicals--both man-made andnatural--that interfere with the body's endocrine system,potentially resulting in adverse developmental, reproductive,neurological, and immune effects. In recent years, a number ofregulatory authorities around the world have drafted or enactedlegislation that requires the detection and assessment of theeffects of endocrine disrupters on both humans and wildlife. Inresponse, this book provides comprehensive, up-to-date informationon the latest tested and proven methods used to detect and assessthe environmental hazards posed by endocrine-disruptingchemicals. Endocrine Disrupters is divided into chapters coveringeach major taxon as well as chapters dedicated to hazard assessmentand regulation. The book covers testing methods for all thevertebrate groups and several invertebrate phyla, including: * Crustaceans and mollusks * Insects * Fish * Amphibians and reptiles * Birds and mammals Moreover, the book emphasizes practical, ethical testing methodsthat combine sensitivity, efficiency, statistical power, andreasonable cost. Each chapter is written by one or more international experts inecotoxicology, offering readers step-by-step guidance forimplementing each method based on the latest research and theauthors' firsthand laboratory experience. Furthermore, all thechapters have been subjected to a rigorous peer review and editedin light of the reviewers' comments. References at the end of eachchapter guide readers to the literature in the field. Endocrine Disrupters is recommended for scientists whoneed to test chemicals for possible endocrine-disruptingproperties. It is also recommended for regulatory authorities whoneed to decide whether particular chemicals can be safelymarketed.