Pilot study for the assessment of health effects of the chemical composition of ultrafine and fine particles in Italy

Endocrine disruptors have been described as "exogenous chemical substances or mixtures that alter the structure or function(s) of the endocrine system and cause adverse effects at the level of the organism, its progeny, populations, or subpopulations" (EPA, 1998). Several experimental studies reported that also very low doses of endocrine disruptors can affect the endocrine system causing diseases and altering the development of mammalian (humans included) and non-mammalian species. Among the diseases associated with the exposure to endocrine disruptors cancer, cardiovascular risk, modulation of adrenal, gonad and thyroid functions, and endometriosis are those that mainly catch the public concern considering their social cost. This paper describes the research activity planned in the pilot project on Endocrine Disruptors granted by CNR in the general contest of the Environment and Health Inter-departmental Project (PIAS).