Analysis of endocrine active substances in food and the environment

A critical review is made of techniques for analysis of residues of endocrine active substances (EASs) including sampling, extraction cleanup and determination based on GC/MS, LC/MS, ELISA, and bioassays. The growing importance of receptor-based in vitro bioassays is highlighted for integrated monitoring of environmental levels of certain classes of EASs and for establishing exposures. Some recent advances in methods of analysis for each of the key classes of EASs are summarized including for organochlorines, PCBs, dioxins and dioxin-like substances, polybrominated diphenyl ethers, phenolic xenoestrogens, phthalates, organotin compounds, steroidal hormones, and phytoestrogens. The issues raised in interpreting complementary chemical and bioassay data at an effects level are briefly discussed.