Perturbateurs endocriniens et risques professionnels

Abstract

Endocrine disrupters (ED), which are substances likely to modify the functioning of a part of the endocrine system, constitute a current issue that remains widely studied in various fields. However, very few specific studies have been carried out to identify the relationship between occupational exposure and possible endocrine effects in exposed workers since these effects are difficult to study in the occupational field. This is due, in particular, to the multiple exposures and effect markers which are not easy to use in daily practice. Research has been mainly performed in the agricultural sector (with the handling of pesticides) and in the pharmaceutical industry in order to identify potential ED effects in employees. Among chemicals and families of chemicals, studies showing a possible effect of ED have been carried out mainly on pesticides, metals, solvents, and even xenoestrogens, with however no mechanism of action being clearly determined.