BIOLOGY IN HUMAN WELFARE
HUMAN HEALTH AND DISEASE
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Question
[CLICK ON ANY CHOICE TO KNOW THE RIGHT ANSWER]
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insecticides
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hormonally active agents
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plastic additives
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all of these
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Detailed explanation-1: -Studies in the 1960s and 1970s characterized the estrogenic activity of several synthetic compounds or pesticides, including o, p’-DDT (dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane), Kepone, phenolic compounds, PCB (polychlorinated biphenyl) mixtures, and some PCB congeners ( Tullner 1961; Bitman et al.
Detailed explanation-2: -DDT is an endocrine disruptor, which means it acts like a hormone or affects how other hormones act in the body. Endocrine disruptors throw off the body’s hormonal balance by blocking or mimicking hormones, such as estrogen.
Detailed explanation-3: -Phthalates belong to the group of endocrine disruptors (EDs), which affect the hormonal balance of the organism. They can alter the development and function of the hormone-dependent structures of the reproductive system [67]. Humans and animals are exposed to mixtures of EDs at low doses in the environment.
Detailed explanation-4: -BPA is classified as an Endocrine Disrupting Chemical (EDC) because it can act as a xenoestrogen. EDCs interfere and prevent the binding of natural hormones to their receptors and/or can act as a hormone mimics; consequently, they exaggerate the effects of endogenous hormones [2, 8].