Research on endocrine disrupting chemicals continues the long tradition
of reproductive and endocrine toxicology. The most harmful chemicals for
male reproduction are antiandrogenic compounds that interfere with both
development and function of the testis. This leads to birth defects
such as cryptorchidism and hypospadias, structural anomalies of the
testis that may cause testicular cancer and poor semen quality. Human
epidemiological studies rarely detect any association between single
chemical exposures and adverse effect. We are currently missing
comprehensive analyses of the adverse effects of life-long combined
exposures to multiple chemicals, which would reflect our real life
environment.