US EPA

1597632 

Journal Article 

Review 

Causal inference considerations for endocrine disruptor research in children's health 

Engel, SM; Wolff, MS 

2013 

Yes 

Annual Review of Public Health
ISSN: 0163-7525
EISSN: 1545-2093 

Annual Review of Public Health 

34 

139-158 

English 

23514318 

10.1146/annurev-publhealth-031811-124556 

WOS:000321892700011 

Substantial population exposure to endocrine disrupting chemicals, combined with available biomarkers and public concern, has resulted in an explosion of human health effects research. At the same time, remarkable shifts in the regulations governing the composition of some consumer products that contain endocrine disruptors (EDs) has occurred. However, important questions remain as to the weight of evidence linking EDs to human health end points. In this review, we critically examine the literature linking ED exposures to child neurodevelopment, focusing in particular on two model exposures to demonstrate issues related to bioaccumulative [e.g., polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs)] and rapidly metabolized (e.g., phthalates) compounds, respectively. Issues of study design, confounding, and exposure measurement are considered. Given widespread exposure to these compounds, the potential public health consequences of even small effects on human health are substantial. Therefore, advancing our understanding of any impact calls for careful attention to the principles of causal inference. 

endocrine disruptors; causation; neurodevelopment; behavior; phthalates; PCBs