Environmental Endocrine Toxicants: Biology, Effects, and Management

Highlighting cutting-edge research on human exposure to endocrine toxicants and the related harmful effects, this book focuses on the challenges of dealing with increasing pollution levels, increased use of synthetic chemicals, and environmental endocrine disruptors that endanger the human endocrine system and its hormones. Found in manmade and natural substances and materials, these toxicants include pesticides, herbicides, industrial chemicals, solvents and byproducts, phytoestrogens, nanomaterials, and chemicals used in personal care products. They may mimic or interfere with the body’s hormones and are linked with developmental, reproductive, brain, immune, and other problems. The volume discusses the chemical nature and mechanisms of endocrine disruptors, their sources, the impact of endocrine toxicants on a sustainable environment, and the effect of endocrine toxicants on human health, such as on thyroid glands, on human reproduction, etc. The volume also looks at the therapeutic effects of medicinal plants on endocrine disorders in humans.

Younis Ahmad Hajam, PhD, is Assistant Professor in the Department of Life Sciences and Allied Health Sciences, Sant Baba Bhag Singh University, Punjab, India. Formerly, he was Head of the Department of Zoology at Career Point University, India. His areas of research are animal physiology, applied zoology, nutraceuticals, and biodiversity conservation. Dr. Hajam has published books, book chapters, and research papers and proceedings and has organized conferences, seminars, workshops, and webinars.

Rouf Ahmad Bhat, PhD, is working in the Department of School Education, Government of Jammu and Kashmir, India. He has authored several research articles, book chapters, and books. He specializes in limnology, toxicology, phytochemistry, and phytoremediation. He was formerly an Associate Environmental Expert in the World Bank-funded Flood Recovery Project. He is also affiliated with of Asian Development Bank-funded development projects.

Khalid Rehman Hakeem, PhD, is Professor at King Abdulaziz University, Saudi Arabia. Dr. Hakeem’s teaching and research experience is in plant eco-physiology, biotechnology and molecular biology, medicinal plant research, plant-microbe-soil interactions, as well as in environmental studies. He is involved with several international government research projects. Dr. Hakeem has authored and edited many books, book chapters, and research publications.

Rajesh Kumar, PhD, is Professor Assistant, Department of Biosciences, Himachal Pradesh University, India. His areas of research are animal physiology, applied zoology, nutraceuticals, and biodiversity conservation. He has conducted research on honeybee physiology and nutrition and waste management. Dr. Kumar has published research articles and book chapters as well as several books and has organized national-level academic events and conferences in conjunction with government agencies.