POU
Points-of-use
TCDD
Dioxin (2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin)
TOC
Total organic carbon
USDA
US Department of Agriculture
USEPA
US Environmental Protection Agency
Nomenclature
Q e equilibrium capacity of the carbon for the target compound, μg/g
C e equilibrium liquid-phase concentration of the target compound, μg/L
K
Freundlich coefficient in (μg/g)(L/μg)
1/n
1/n Freundlich coefficient, dimension-less units
1 Introduction
The emerging pollutants endocrine-disrupting compounds (EDCs) are defined as
“chemicals that either mimic endogenous hormones, interfere with pharmacokinetics
or act by other mechanisms” [1]. Such adverse effects as compromised reproductive
fitness, functional or morphological birth defects, cancer, and altered immune
functions, among others, have been reported in the scientific literature [1–3]. The
term “endocrine disruptors” is used to describe substances that are not produced in
the body but act by mimicking or antagonizing natural hormones. Endocrine systems, also referred to as hormone systems, are found in all mammals, birds, fish, and
many other types of living organisms. They are made up of:
• Glands located throughout the body
• Hormones that are made by the glands and released into the bloodstream or the
fluid surrounding cells
• Receptors in various organs and tissues that recognize and respond to the
hormones
Hormones are released by glands and travel throughout the body, acting as
chemical messengers. Hormones interface with cells that contain matching receptors
in or on their surfaces. The hormone binds with the receptor, much like a key would
fit into a lock. The hormones, or keys, need to find compatible receptors, or locks, to
work properly. Although hormones reach all parts of the body, only target cells with
compatible receptors are equipped to respond. Once a receptor and a hormone bind,
the receptor carries out the hormone’s instructions by either altering the cell’s
existing proteins or turning on genes that will build a new protein. Both of these
actions create reactions throughout the body. Researchers have identified more than
50 hormones in humans and other vertebrates.
The endocrine system regulates all biological processes in the body from conception through adulthood and into old age, including the development of the brain
and nervous system, the growth and function of the reproductive system, as well as
4 Endocrine Disruptors
171
Points-of-use
TCDD
Dioxin (2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin)
TOC
Total organic carbon
USDA
US Department of Agriculture
USEPA
US Environmental Protection Agency
Nomenclature
Q e equilibrium capacity of the carbon for the target compound, μg/g
C e equilibrium liquid-phase concentration of the target compound, μg/L
K
Freundlich coefficient in (μg/g)(L/μg)
1/n
1/n Freundlich coefficient, dimension-less units
1 Introduction
The emerging pollutants endocrine-disrupting compounds (EDCs) are defined as
“chemicals that either mimic endogenous hormones, interfere with pharmacokinetics
or act by other mechanisms” [1]. Such adverse effects as compromised reproductive
fitness, functional or morphological birth defects, cancer, and altered immune
functions, among others, have been reported in the scientific literature [1–3]. The
term “endocrine disruptors” is used to describe substances that are not produced in
the body but act by mimicking or antagonizing natural hormones. Endocrine systems, also referred to as hormone systems, are found in all mammals, birds, fish, and
many other types of living organisms. They are made up of:
• Glands located throughout the body
• Hormones that are made by the glands and released into the bloodstream or the
fluid surrounding cells
• Receptors in various organs and tissues that recognize and respond to the
hormones
Hormones are released by glands and travel throughout the body, acting as
chemical messengers. Hormones interface with cells that contain matching receptors
in or on their surfaces. The hormone binds with the receptor, much like a key would
fit into a lock. The hormones, or keys, need to find compatible receptors, or locks, to
work properly. Although hormones reach all parts of the body, only target cells with
compatible receptors are equipped to respond. Once a receptor and a hormone bind,
the receptor carries out the hormone’s instructions by either altering the cell’s
existing proteins or turning on genes that will build a new protein. Both of these
actions create reactions throughout the body. Researchers have identified more than
50 hormones in humans and other vertebrates.
The endocrine system regulates all biological processes in the body from conception through adulthood and into old age, including the development of the brain
and nervous system, the growth and function of the reproductive system, as well as
4 Endocrine Disruptors
171