Workshop on perinatal exposure to dioxin-like compounds. III. Endocrine effects.

Studies involving endocrine effects in humans and experimental animals resulting from the exposure to dioxin-like (non-ortho-substituted PCBs, PCDDs/PCDFs) and nondioxin-like (PCBs, OC pesticides) compounds (DLCs and NDLCs) were presented. A variety of reproductive and hormonal parameters, including androgen status, sexual differentiation, and thyroid functionality, were discussed. As in utero and lactational exposure of the human fetus/neonate to these environmental contaminants is inevitable, continued research to identify sensitive biomarkers of effect and susceptibility, as well as to define dose-response relationships, is required.