2. What are endocrine disruptors (EDs)?

According to the WHO definition in 2012: "An endocrine disruptor is an exogenous substance or mixture that alters the functions of the endocrine system and thus induces adverse health effects in an intact organism, its progeny or subpopulations".

Endocrine disruptors act in three different ways.

• Mimetic (or agonist) effect: imitation of the action of a natural hormone (like a false key in the "biological locks" that exist in organs and cells).

• Blocking effect (or antagonist): blocking the action of a natural hormone (by saturating cell receptors, for example).

• Disruptive (or interference) effect: disruption, i.e. hindrance or blockage of the production, transport or metabolism of hormones or receptors, induced by abnormal hormonal action in the body...