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Belmaker I, Anca ED, Rubin LP, Magen-Molho H, Miodovnik A, van der Hal N. Adverse health effects of exposure to plastic, microplastics and their additives: environmental, legal and policy implications for Israel. Isr J Health Policy Res 2024; 13:44. [PMID: 39256853 PMCID: PMC11385141 DOI: 10.1186/s13584-024-00628-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2023] [Accepted: 08/17/2024] [Indexed: 09/12/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Israel is a regional "hotspot" of plastic pollution, with little discussion of potential adverse health effects from exposure to plastic. This review aims to stimulate discussion and drive policy by focusing on these adverse health effects. MAIN BODY Plastics are synthetic polymers containing additives which can leach from food- and beverage-contact plastic into our food and beverages, and from plastic textiles onto our skin. Plastics persist in the environment for generations, fragmenting into MNPs: Micro (1 micron-5 mm)-Nano (1 nm-1 micron)-Plastic, which contaminate our atmosphere, water, and food chain. MNP can enter the human body through ingestion, inhalation and touch. MNP < 10 microns can cross epithelial barriers in the respiratory and gastrointestinal systems, and fragments < 100 nm can cross intact skin, enabling entry into body tissues. MNP have been found in multiple organs of the human body. Patients with MNP in atheromas of carotid arteries have increased risk of a combined measure of stroke, cardiovascular disease, and death. Toxic additives to plastics include bisphenols, phthalates, and PFAS, endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) which cause dysregulation of thyroid function, reproduction, and metabolism, including increased risk of obesity, diabetes, endometriosis, cancer, and decreased fertility, sperm count and quality. Fetal exposure to EDCs is associated with increased rates of miscarriages, prematurity and low birth weight. There is likely no safe level of exposure to EDCs, with increasing evidence of trans-generational and epigenetic effects. There are several existing Israeli laws to reduce plastic use and waste. Taxes on single-use plastic (SUP) were recently cancelled. There are many gaps in regulatory standards for food-, beverage- and child- safe plastic. Existing standards are poorly enforced. CONCLUSION Reduction in production and use of plastic, promotion of recycling and reduction of leaching of toxic additives into our food and beverages are essential policy goals. Specific recommendations: Periodic monitoring of MNP in bottled beverages, food, indoor air; Strengthen enforcement of standards for food-, beverage-, and child-safe plastic; Renew tax on SUPs; National ban on SUP at public beaches, nature reserves and parks; Ban products manufactured with MNP; Increase research on sources and health outcomes of exposure to MNP and EDCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ilana Belmaker
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Soroka Campus, Building M7, 8410501, Beer-Sheva, Israel.
| | | | - Lisa P Rubin
- School of Public Health, University of Haifa, 199 Aba Khoushy Ave., 3103301, Mount Carmel, Haifa, Israel
| | - Hadas Magen-Molho
- Hebrew University Center for Sustainability, The Hebrew University, Edmond J. Safra Campus, Givat Ram, 9190401, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Anna Miodovnik
- Israel Plastic Pollution Prevention Coalition (IPPPC), Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Noam van der Hal
- Department of Maritime Civilizations, Charney School for Marine Science, University of Haifa, 199 Aba Khoushy Ave., 3498838, Mount Carmel, Haifa, Israel
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Albadawi EA, Alzaman NS, Elhassan YH, Eltahir HM, Abouzied MM, Albadrani MS. The Association between Maternal Endocrine-Disrupting Chemical Exposure during Pregnancy and the Incidence of Male Urogenital Defects: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Metabolites 2024; 14:477. [PMID: 39330484 PMCID: PMC11434617 DOI: 10.3390/metabo14090477] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2024] [Revised: 08/21/2024] [Accepted: 08/26/2024] [Indexed: 09/28/2024] Open
Abstract
The increasing incidence of hypospadias and cryptorchidism, coupled with the widespread presence of endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs), has raised concerns about the potential impact of these environmental factors on male urogenital development. This systematic review and meta-analysis aims to evaluate the association between maternal exposure to various EDCs and the risk of hypospadias and cryptorchidism. We conducted a comprehensive search of PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Cochrane databases from inception until May 2024. We included case-control and cohort studies that examined the association between maternal EDC exposure and hypospadias or cryptorchidism, reporting adjusted odds ratios (aOR) or crude odds ratios (cOR). Data were extracted and pooled using a random effects model, and heterogeneity was assessed using the Q test and I-square statistics. The risk of bias was evaluated using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale (NOS). A total of 48 studies were included in the systematic review, with 46 studies included in the meta-analysis. The pooled analysis revealed a significant association between maternal EDC exposure and an increased risk of hypospadias (aOR = 1.26, 95% CI: 1.18-1.35, p < 0.0001) and cryptorchidism (aOR = 1.37, 95% CI: 1.19-1.57, p < 0.001). Subgroup analyses showed that exposure to pesticides, phthalates, alkyl phenolic compounds (ALKs), and heavy metals significantly increased the risk of hypospadias. In contrast, polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) did not show a significant association. Significant associations were found with pesticide and PCB exposure for cryptorchidism, but not with phthalate, ALK, or heavy metal exposure. Maternal exposure to certain EDCs is associated with an increased risk of hypospadias and cryptorchidism in male children. These findings underscore the importance of addressing environmental and occupational exposures during pregnancy to mitigate potential risks. Further research is needed to elucidate the mechanisms by which EDCs affect urogenital development and to develop effective interventions to reduce exposure among vulnerable populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emad Ali Albadawi
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, Taibah University, Al-Madinah Al-Munawara 42354, Saudi Arabia
| | - Naweed SyedKhaleel Alzaman
- Department of Medicine, College of Medicine, Taibah University, Al-Madinah Al-Munawara 42354, Saudi Arabia
| | - Yasir Hassan Elhassan
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, Taibah University, Al-Madinah Al-Munawara 42354, Saudi Arabia
| | - Heba M. Eltahir
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, Taibah University, Al-Madinah Al-Munawara 42354, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mekky M. Abouzied
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, Taibah University, Al-Madinah Al-Munawara 42354, Saudi Arabia
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Minia University, Minia 2431436, Egypt
| | - Muayad Saud Albadrani
- Department of Family and Community Medicine and Medical Education, College of Medicine, Taibah University, Al-Madinah Al-Munawara 42354, Saudi Arabia
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Varmira K, Saed-Mocheshi M, Jalalvand AR. Electrochemical sensing and bio-sensing of bisphenol A and detection of its damage to DNA: A comprehensive review. SENSING AND BIO-SENSING RESEARCH 2017. [DOI: 10.1016/j.sbsr.2017.07.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
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Duarte E, de Sousa B, Cadarso-Suárez C, Klein N, Kneib T, Rodrigues V. Studying the relationship between a woman's reproductive lifespan and age at menarche using a Bayesian multivariate structured additive distributional regression model. Biom J 2017; 59:1232-1246. [PMID: 28660685 DOI: 10.1002/bimj.201600245] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2016] [Revised: 04/27/2017] [Accepted: 04/29/2017] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
Studies addressing breast cancer risk factors have been looking at trends relative to age at menarche and menopause. These studies point to a downward trend of age at menarche and an upward trend for age at menopause, meaning an increase of a woman's reproductive lifespan cycle. In addition to studying the effect of the year of birth on the expectation of age at menarche and a woman's reproductive lifespan, it is important to understand how a woman's cohort affects the correlation between these two variables. Since the behavior of age at menarche and menopause may vary with the geographic location of a woman's residence, the spatial effect of the municipality where a woman resides needs to be considered. Thus, a Bayesian multivariate structured additive distributional regression model is proposed in order to analyze how a woman's municipality and year of birth affects a woman's age of menarche, her lifespan cycle, and the correlation of the two. The data consists of 212,517 postmenopausal women, born between 1920 and 1965, who attended the breast cancer screening program in the central region of Portugal.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisa Duarte
- Unit of Biostatistics, Department of Statistics, Mathematical Analysis, and Optimization, School of Medicine University of Santiago de Compostela, C/ San Francisco s/n, 15782, Santiago de Compostela, Spain
| | - Bruno de Sousa
- Faculty of Psychology and Education Sciences, University of Coimbra, CINEICC, Rua do Colégio Novo, Apartado 6153, 3001-802, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Carmen Cadarso-Suárez
- Unit of Biostatistics, Department of Statistics, Mathematical Analysis, and Optimization, School of Medicine University of Santiago de Compostela, C/ San Francisco s/n, 15782, Santiago de Compostela, Spain
| | - Nadja Klein
- Institute of Statistics and Econometrics, Department of Economics, Georg-August-Universität Göttingen, Humboldtallee 3, 37073, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Thomas Kneib
- Institute of Statistics and Econometrics, Department of Economics, Georg-August-Universität Göttingen, Humboldtallee 3, 37073, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Vítor Rodrigues
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, Rua Larga, 3004-504, Coimbra, Portugal
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Berman T, Goldsmith R, Levine H, Grotto I. Human biomonitoring in Israel: Recent results and lessons learned. Int J Hyg Environ Health 2017; 220:6-12. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ijheh.2016.09.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2016] [Revised: 09/08/2016] [Accepted: 09/15/2016] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
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Birenbaum-Carmeli D. Thirty-five years of assisted reproductive technologies in Israel. REPRODUCTIVE BIOMEDICINE & SOCIETY ONLINE 2016; 2:16-23. [PMID: 29892712 PMCID: PMC5991881 DOI: 10.1016/j.rbms.2016.05.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2015] [Revised: 05/18/2016] [Accepted: 05/19/2016] [Indexed: 05/19/2023]
Abstract
Israel is known as a pronatalist country. Whether due to the Biblical commandment to 'be fruitful and multiply' or the traumas of the Holocaust and perennial wars, reproduction is a central life goal for most Israelis. Israeli women bear substantially more children than their counterparts in industrialized countries and view child-rearing as a key life accomplishment. These personal world-view and real-life individual quests take place in a context of equally pronatalist state policies and religious openness to assisted reproductive technologies. In this paper, I outline 35 years of assisted reproductive technologies in Israel by tracing a principal axis in the development of three major technologies of assisted reproduction: the proliferation of IVF-ICSI; the globalization of gamete donation; and the privatization of surrogacy. The paper is based on a policy analysis as well as various studies of assisted reproductive technologies, conducted in Israel over this period.
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Kalfa N, Paris F, Philibert P, Orsini M, Broussous S, Fauconnet-Servant N, Audran F, Gaspari L, Lehors H, Haddad M, Guys JM, Reynaud R, Alessandrini P, Merrot T, Wagner K, Kurzenne JY, Bastiani F, Bréaud J, Valla JS, Lacombe GM, Dobremez E, Zahhaf A, Daures JP, Sultan C. Is Hypospadias Associated with Prenatal Exposure to Endocrine Disruptors? A French Collaborative Controlled Study of a Cohort of 300 Consecutive Children Without Genetic Defect. Eur Urol 2015; 68:1023-30. [DOI: 10.1016/j.eururo.2015.05.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2015] [Accepted: 05/05/2015] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
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Futran Fuhrman V, Tal A, Arnon S. Why endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) challenge traditional risk assessment and how to respond. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2015; 286:589-611. [PMID: 25646754 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2014.12.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 81] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2014] [Revised: 12/02/2014] [Accepted: 12/08/2014] [Indexed: 05/11/2023]
Abstract
Endocrine disrupting compounds (EDCs) are a diverse group of "chemicals of emerging concern" which have attracted much interest from the research community since the 1990s. Today there is still no definitive risk assessment tool for EDCs. While some decision making organizations have attempted to design methodology guidelines to evaluate the potential risk from this broadly defined group of constituents, risk assessors still face many uncertainties and unknowns. Until a risk assessment paradigm is designed specifically for EDCs and is vetted by the field, traditional risk assessment tools may be used with caution to evaluate EDCs. In doing so, each issue of contention should be addressed with transparency in order to leverage available information and technology without sacrificing integrity or accuracy. The challenges that EDCs pose to traditional risk assessment are described in this article to assist in this process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vivian Futran Fuhrman
- Institute for Dryland, Environmental and Desert Research, The Jacob Blaustein Institutes for Desert Research, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Sede Boqer 84990, Israel.
| | - Alon Tal
- Institute for Dryland, Environmental and Desert Research, The Jacob Blaustein Institutes for Desert Research, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Sede Boqer 84990, Israel.
| | - Shai Arnon
- Zuckerberg Institute for Water Research, The Jacob Blaustein Institutes for Desert Research, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Sede Boqer 84990, Israel.
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Flash-Luzzatti S, Weil C, Shalev V, Oron T, Chodick G. Long-term secular trends in the age at menarche in Israel: a systematic literature review and pooled analysis. Horm Res Paediatr 2015; 81:266-71. [PMID: 24504328 DOI: 10.1159/000357444] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2013] [Accepted: 11/19/2013] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND/AIMS A worldwide decline in the age at menarche (AAM) has been reported in recent decades. This trend has been also clinically observed among Israeli women and was reported in our previous study. METHODS We reviewed the literature reporting the mean AAM in Israel during the past century. Studies were excluded if participants had been investigated due to illness or any condition which could affect sexual maturation. Mean AAM was analyzed using a simple linear regression weighted for number of participants in each birth cohort and stratified to birth cohorts before and after 1970, based on the outcome of our previous study. RESULTS AAM varied little among women born between 1875 and 1970, but there was a clear downwards trend from 13.4 in 1970 to 12.8 two decades later. In a stratified analysis we found a significant negative association between birth year and AAM in the birth cohort after 1970 (standardized β coefficient = -0.94 per year, R(2) = 0.87; p < 0.001). CONCLUSION These results suggest a significant decline in mean AAM in Israeli women born in 1970 or later.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shira Flash-Luzzatti
- Medical Division, Maccabi Healthcare Services, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
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Duarte E, de Sousa B, Cadarso-Suarez C, Rodrigues V, Kneib T. Structured additive regression modeling of age of menarche and menopause in a breast cancer screening program. Biom J 2014; 56:416-27. [PMID: 24615881 DOI: 10.1002/bimj.201200260] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2012] [Revised: 12/23/2013] [Accepted: 12/30/2013] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
Breast cancer risk is believed to be associated with several reproductive factors, such as early menarche and late menopause. This study is based on the registries of the first time a woman enters the screening program, and presents a spatio-temporal analysis of the variables age of menarche and age of menopause along with other reproductive and socioeconomic factors. The database was provided by the Portuguese Cancer League (LPCC), a private nonprofit organization dealing with multiple issues related to oncology of which the Breast Cancer Screening Program is one of its main activities. The registry consists of 259,652 records of women who entered the screening program for the first time between 1990 and 2007 (45-69-year age group). Structured Additive Regression (STAR) models were used to explore spatial and temporal correlations with a wide range of covariates. These models are flexible enough to deal with a variety of complex datasets, allowing us to reveal possible relationships among the variables considered in this study. The analysis shows that early menarche occurs in younger women and in municipalities located in the interior of central Portugal. Women living in inland municipalities register later ages for menopause, and those born in central Portugal after 1933 show a decreasing trend in the age of menopause. Younger ages of menarche and late menopause are observed in municipalities with a higher purchasing power index. The analysis performed in this study portrays the time evolution of the age of menarche and age of menopause and their spatial characterization, adding to the identification of factors that could be of the utmost importance in future breast cancer incidence research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisa Duarte
- Unit of Biostatistics, Department of Statistics and Operations Research, School of Medicine, University of Santiago de Compostela, C/San Francisco s/n, 15782-Santiago de Compostela, Spain
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Bastos AMX, Souza MDCBD, Almeida Filho GLD, Krauss TM, Pavesi T, Silva LED. Organochlorine compound levels in fertile and infertile women from Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2013; 57:346-53. [DOI: 10.1590/s0004-27302013000500003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2012] [Accepted: 01/29/2013] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study was quantify organochlorine compounds in women seeking for infertility treatment (n = 15) and in spontaneously pregnant ones (n = 21). MATERIALS AND METHODS: A questionnaire was applied regarding lifestyle, occupational and reproductive history. Blood samples were collected from both groups. RESULTS: From the pesticides studied, pp'DDE was detected in 100% of infertile women, at higher mean levels than in pregnant women (3.02 mcg/L vs. 0.88 mcg/L; p = 0.001; power of 69%), without correlation with the etiology of infertility. Levels of the polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) were low, with positive samples in 100% in the infertile women for PCBs 138, 153, 180, while in pregnant women, they were 85.7% for congeners 138 and 153. Only PCB180 showed significance, with frequency of 71.4% (p = 0.019). CONCLUSIONS: The risk factors for female infertility were: age, consumption of untreated water and of canned foods. Exposure to the most prevalent organochlorine compounds described in literature was confirmed in the study, indicating that pp'DDE may adversely influence female fertility.
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Abstract
Over recent decades, epidemiological studies have been reporting worrisome trends in the incidence of human infertility rates. Extensive detection of industrial chemicals in human serum, seminal plasma and follicular fluid has led the scientific community to hypothesise that these compounds may disrupt hormonal homoeostasis, leading to a vast array of physiological impairments. Numerous synthetic and natural substances have endocrine-disruptive effects, acting through several mechanisms. The main route of exposure to these chemicals is the ingestion of contaminated food and water. They may disturb intrauterine development, resulting in irreversible effects and may also induce transgenerational effects. This review aims to summarise the major scientific developments on the topic of human infertility associated with exposure to endocrine disruptors (EDs), integrating epidemiological and experimental evidence. Current data suggest that environmental levels of EDs may affect the development and functioning of the reproductive system in both sexes, particularly in foetuses, causing developmental and reproductive disorders, including infertility. EDs may be blamed for the rising incidence of human reproductive disorders. This constitutes a serious public health issue that should not be overlooked. The exposure of pregnant women and infants to EDs is of great concern. Therefore, precautionary avoidance of exposure to EDs is a prudent attitude in order to protect humans and wildlife from permanent harmful effects on fertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- André Marques-Pinto
- Serviço de EndocrinologiaFaculdade de Medicina da Universidade do PortoAl. Prof. Hernâni Monteiro4200-319, PortoPortugal
- Correspondence should be addressed to A Marques-Pinto
| | - Davide Carvalho
- Serviço de EndocrinologiaFaculdade de Medicina da Universidade do PortoAl. Prof. Hernâni Monteiro4200-319, PortoPortugal
- Departamento de Endocrinologia, Diabetes e MetabolismoCentro Hospitalar de São JoãoPortoPortugal
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Falk H. Endocrine disrupting chemicals and the growth of environmental health in Israel. Isr J Health Policy Res 2012; 1:35. [PMID: 22929052 PMCID: PMC3483165 DOI: 10.1186/2045-4015-1-35] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2012] [Accepted: 08/06/2012] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
This commentary addresses the article by Berman, et al. on reproductive health trends in Israel potentially related to endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) and on associated health policy decisions in Israel to prevent long-term effects from exposure to EDCs. There are intensive, ongoing research efforts in the US that will provide additional guidance on this issue in the future. The commentary also notes and commends the growing capacity and resources for environmental health work in government and academia in Israel.
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Affiliation(s)
- Henry Falk
- 1571 Nantahalla Court, NE, Atlanta, GA, 30329, USA.
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