It is of global concern that the entire human population (foetuses, infants, children and adults) is permanently exposed to low levels of anthropogenic chemicals, some of which can interfere with natural endocrine functions, i.e., are endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs).

Human exposure to most EDCs is complex as it is multi-source, multi-pathway, and multi-route. Previous studies have focused on EDCs ingestion and dermal pathways, but inhalation exposure has been addressed far less. Indoor spaces are an important environment for potential exposure to airborne chemicals and particles, particularly in western society, in which people spend 80-90% of their time indoors. Increasing urbanization, changing behaviours and use of material and consumer products can result in indoor exposures several orders of magnitudes higher than outdoors. This becomes even higher risk for vulnerable populations such as the children.

Although there are only a few human epidemiology studies on exposure to EDCs and children’s health, there is a growing body of evidence showing that exposure to EDCs may adversely impact child development through altered endocrine system functions. Disruption of these signalling pathways can result in permanent alterations in tissue structure and function including decreased fertility, birth defects, and neurodevelopmental disorders such as poorer memory, and other behavioural problems. Still, comprehensive human epidemiological studies on endocrine disrupters are still largely missing (including in Portugal), because either the exposure data is weak or the outcome data is vague.

Prevention of exposure to EDCs (known or suspected) is the single most effective measure to protect both human health and wildlife against these chemicals. Detailed information on exposure levels in a child specific environment can help to understand the major exposure sources and pathways and thus, handle EDCs according to the risk they pose, as single chemicals or in mixtures, with particular focus on neurodevelopment health domain.