Work

Disparities in endocrine-disrupting chemical exposures and thyroid disorders

Year: 2025

Type: review

Abstract: Over the last twenty years, thyroid disorder prevalence has more than doubled in the United States, with notable disparities emerging in disease incidence and outcomes. While partially attributable to inequities in healthcare delivery, whether environmental factors such as exposure to endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) contribute to differences in thyroid disease pathogenesis in vulnerable populations is plausible but understudied. To better understand how environmental factors may contribute to thyroid disease disparities, this review discusses differences in exposure to thyroid-disrupting EDCs among historically disadvantaged communities, including polychlorinated biphenyls, bisphenols, brominated flame retardants, organochlorine pesticides, phthalates, per-/polyfluoroalkyl substances, and toxic metals. Coupled with knowledge of exposure sources, these data may empower individual- and policy-level interventions to address thyroid disease disparities and promote health equity.

Source: Current Opinion in Endocrine and Metabolic Research

DOI: 10.1016/j.coemr.2025.100591

Authors: Luyu Wang, Jennifer Flores, Robert M. Sargis

Institution: University of Illinois Chicago

Language: English

Topic: Effects and risks of endocrine disrupting chemicals

Subfield: Health, Toxicology and Mutagenesis

Field: Environmental Science

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDGs: Reduced inequalities, Good health and well-being

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $3,320