Methods to curb endocrine disrupting chemicals in Africa

This chapter will discuss the current state of knowledge of endocrine-disrupting contaminant (EDC) research in South Africa. As with most developing countries, South Africa faces rapid urbanization and population growth that places severe strain on food security and production, which further contribute toward the release of EDCs in the natural environment. Researches related to the presence of EDCs in the environment, along with their potential adverse health effects, have been well documented over the past 20 years in the country. However, the utilization of academic knowledge on EDC risks that can be used for government policy making are largely overlooked, along with current policies that are also poorly implemented and managed. The advances in South African risk assessment approaches to drive mitigation strategies for the reduction of EDC exposure in humans and ecosystems are discussed that can serve as reliable evidence to government organizations for future EDC risk reduction and policy decision-making.