Intergenerational effects of endocrine-disrupting compounds: a review of the Michigan polybrominated biphenyl registry.

Endocrine-disrupting compounds (EDCs) are a broad class of chemicals present in many residential products that can disrupt hormone signaling and cause health problems in humans. Multigenerational cohorts, like the Michigan polybrominated biphenyl registry, are ideal for studying the effects of intergenerational exposure. Registry participants report hormone-related health problems, particularly in those exposed before puberty or those in the second generation exposed through placental transfer or breastfeeding.

Exposure to PBB-153 and Digit Ratio.

The ratio between the second and fourth digits is a sexually dimorphic measure, established in utero and linked to prenatal sex steroid levels. An association was found between prenatal levels of Polybrominated Biphenyls, a synthetic chemical suspected to disrupt the endocrine system function, and the digit ratio in adult women.