Endocrine disorders of occupational and environmental origin

Many compounds used and produced in industry are potentially toxic to the endocrine system. The importance of medical surveillance in the workplace is emphasized in light of the increasing numbers of women in industry and the associated potential reproductive risks. Endocrine-toxic compounds also can gain wider access to entire communities through designed release to the environment (as with pesticides), accident, or disposal of toxic waste. The mechanisms of various industrial toxins in causing disease of the thyroid, testes and ovary, and pancreas are reviewed.