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It has recently been suggested that the release of "endocrine disrupters (EDs)" into the environment has resulted in adverse health effects on wild life populations and humans (Golden et al., 1998; Tyler et al., 1998; Kang et al., 2000). Human sperm counts have declined significantly throughout the world during the past fifty years, and which is a significant public health concern (Carlsen et al., 1992; Carlsen et al.. 1995). In addition, the EDs persisting in the environment are known to disrupt the normal endocrine systems of wildlife (Colborn, 1995; Crewet al., 1995; Folmer et at, 1996; Sumpter, 1995; Tyler, 1998). Some estrogenic chemicals bind to estrogen receptors (Bolger et al.. 1998), interfere with the binding of physiological ligands to steroid hormone-binding proteins (Danjo, 1997; Milligan et al., 1998). and show immunotoxicity (Sakae et al., 1998). (omitted) (omitted)
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