The Effects of Endocrine Disruptors on Adolescent Health

Endocrine disrupting chemicals are found in many products such as soaps, shampoos, perfumes, kitchenware, textile materials, plastic bottles and containers, toys, and even foods and drinking water. These chemicals can enter the body through digestion, skin absorption, inhalation, and breast milk, as well as transplacentally. Although restrictions have been placed on the use of some chemicals, exposure continues due to the reintroduction of similar chemicals and the ability of certain chemicals to remain in the environment or in food chains for a long time. Endocrine disruptors can even cause intergenerational effects, and studies have shown them to have negative effects on many bodily systems. Hormone-related cancers such as of the breast and prostate, as well as diabetes, obesity, precocious puberty, hormone level changes, being prone to infections, autoimmune diseases, asthma, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, and learning difficulties, are some of the negative health consequences they cause. Genetic and environmental factors play a role in the development of certain endocrine disorders and cancers, and their increase over the years has drawn attention to how exposure to endocrine disruptors contributes to this situation. This review article examines the effects of endocrine disrupting chemicals such as phytoestrogens, bisphenol A, phthalates, perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), dioxins, and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) on adolescent health in light of current studies. Taking precautions regarding exposure levels will help reduce the negative effects these chemicals have on adolescent health.