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Bisphenol A
BPA is a large-volume manufactured chemical; it is one of the most widely studied
and most renowned endocrine disruptor. BPA was identified as an estrogen mimic,
and by multiple distinct mechanisms, it can interfere with estrogen signaling [1].
BPA has been used for manufacturing certain plastic and resins. It is found in
polycarbonate plastics often used in food and beverage receptacles like water bottles as well as other consumer products. BPA is also present in epoxy resin, which
is used to layer the inside of metal products, such as food cans [6]. The most common human exposure to BPA is by using canned foods and drinks, BPA leaches
from the cans into the food/drink. Environmental conditions, e.g., high temperature,
sunlight, and acidity, boost leaching, such that acid products, like tomatoes, will
leach BPA from cane linings more often. BPA leaching from the plastics to the food
is enhanced by daily activities such as using plasticware for microwaving food and
keeping plastic beverage bottles inside hot vehicles [1, 11].
Phthalates
Phthalates are a class of chemicals used to manufacture more elastic and difficult to
break plastics, and they are also referred to as plasticizers. Phthalates are used for a
broad range of products. Dibutyl phthalate (DBP), Di-2-Ethylhexyl phthalate
(DEHP), and dimethyl phthalate (DMP) are among the frequently used phthalates
[6]. Phthalates cause a disturbance in the production of androgen (testosterone). The
young males considered as being the most susceptible to phthalates exposure since
androgen, including genital growth, is critical for male development. However,
androgens also play a significant part in female development, making phthalates
both genders relevant. Phthalates are present in the following products: cosmetics,
infant items such lotions, powders, soaps, and teethers; toys, aromatic items like
candles, cleaners, and air fresheners; medical equipment like tubes, and blood bags;
pharmaceutical enteric coatings; and art products. Exposure to phthalates is associated with male genital abnormalities, decreased sperm counts, endometriosis, and
obesity [1].
DDT
Dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane is an organochlorine, used as an insecticide. In the
1970s, various countries prohibited the use of DDT because of its toxicity and perseverance in animals. However, DDT is still widely used in some regions like India
and Africa for killing insects that are responsible for the transmission of human
diseases, e.g., dengue, malaria, and leishmaniasis. With a multitude of effects on
Q. U. Ain et al.
Bisphenol A
BPA is a large-volume manufactured chemical; it is one of the most widely studied
and most renowned endocrine disruptor. BPA was identified as an estrogen mimic,
and by multiple distinct mechanisms, it can interfere with estrogen signaling [1].
BPA has been used for manufacturing certain plastic and resins. It is found in
polycarbonate plastics often used in food and beverage receptacles like water bottles as well as other consumer products. BPA is also present in epoxy resin, which
is used to layer the inside of metal products, such as food cans [6]. The most common human exposure to BPA is by using canned foods and drinks, BPA leaches
from the cans into the food/drink. Environmental conditions, e.g., high temperature,
sunlight, and acidity, boost leaching, such that acid products, like tomatoes, will
leach BPA from cane linings more often. BPA leaching from the plastics to the food
is enhanced by daily activities such as using plasticware for microwaving food and
keeping plastic beverage bottles inside hot vehicles [1, 11].
Phthalates
Phthalates are a class of chemicals used to manufacture more elastic and difficult to
break plastics, and they are also referred to as plasticizers. Phthalates are used for a
broad range of products. Dibutyl phthalate (DBP), Di-2-Ethylhexyl phthalate
(DEHP), and dimethyl phthalate (DMP) are among the frequently used phthalates
[6]. Phthalates cause a disturbance in the production of androgen (testosterone). The
young males considered as being the most susceptible to phthalates exposure since
androgen, including genital growth, is critical for male development. However,
androgens also play a significant part in female development, making phthalates
both genders relevant. Phthalates are present in the following products: cosmetics,
infant items such lotions, powders, soaps, and teethers; toys, aromatic items like
candles, cleaners, and air fresheners; medical equipment like tubes, and blood bags;
pharmaceutical enteric coatings; and art products. Exposure to phthalates is associated with male genital abnormalities, decreased sperm counts, endometriosis, and
obesity [1].
DDT
Dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane is an organochlorine, used as an insecticide. In the
1970s, various countries prohibited the use of DDT because of its toxicity and perseverance in animals. However, DDT is still widely used in some regions like India
and Africa for killing insects that are responsible for the transmission of human
diseases, e.g., dengue, malaria, and leishmaniasis. With a multitude of effects on
Q. U. Ain et al.