Endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) are synthetic substances that interfere with the body's endocrine system, leading to adverse effects on development, reproduction, and metabolism. These chemicals, found in everyday products, can mimic or block hormones, altering normal biological processes. EDCs include pharmaceuticals, pesticides, plastics, and other man-made and natural substances. They affect hormone synthesis, secretion, transport, and elimination, leading to a wide range of health issues. Recent research shows that EDCs act through various mechanisms, including nuclear hormone receptors, nonsteroid receptors, and enzymatic pathways. They can also influence gene expression and epigenetic modifications, leading to transgenerational effects. EDCs are particularly harmful during critical developmental windows, such as fetal and neonatal periods, when exposure can result in long-term health consequences. Studies show that EDCs can cause reproductive disorders, developmental abnormalities, and metabolic diseases like obesity and diabetes. The field of endocrine disruption emphasizes the importance of reducing exposure to EDCs, especially during pregnancy and early life, to prevent long-term health issues. Understanding the mechanisms of EDC action is crucial for developing strategies to mitigate their harmful effects.Endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) are synthetic substances that interfere with the body's endocrine system, leading to adverse effects on development, reproduction, and metabolism. These chemicals, found in everyday products, can mimic or block hormones, altering normal biological processes. EDCs include pharmaceuticals, pesticides, plastics, and other man-made and natural substances. They affect hormone synthesis, secretion, transport, and elimination, leading to a wide range of health issues. Recent research shows that EDCs act through various mechanisms, including nuclear hormone receptors, nonsteroid receptors, and enzymatic pathways. They can also influence gene expression and epigenetic modifications, leading to transgenerational effects. EDCs are particularly harmful during critical developmental windows, such as fetal and neonatal periods, when exposure can result in long-term health consequences. Studies show that EDCs can cause reproductive disorders, developmental abnormalities, and metabolic diseases like obesity and diabetes. The field of endocrine disruption emphasizes the importance of reducing exposure to EDCs, especially during pregnancy and early life, to prevent long-term health issues. Understanding the mechanisms of EDC action is crucial for developing strategies to mitigate their harmful effects.