Editing Persistent organic pollutant (section)

=== Endocrine disruption ===
The majority of POPs are known to disrupt normal functioning of the endocrine system. Low level exposure to POPs during critical [[developmental biology|developmental]] periods of fetus, newborn and child can have a lasting effect throughout their lifespan. A 2002 study<ref name="Damstra, T. 2002">{{cite journal | author = Damstra T | year = 2002 | title = Potential Effects of Certain Persistent Organic Pollutants and Endocrine Disrupting Chemicals on Health of Children | journal = Clinical Toxicology | volume = 40 | issue = 4| pages = 457–465 | doi = 10.1081/clt-120006748 | pmid = 12216998 | s2cid = 23550634 }}</ref> summarizes data on endocrine disruption and health complications from exposure to POPs during critical developmental stages in an organism's lifespan. The study aimed to answer the question whether or not chronic, low level exposure to POPs can have a health impact on the endocrine system and development of organisms from different species. The study found that exposure of POPs during a critical developmental time frame can produce a permanent changes in the organisms path of development. Exposure of POPs during non-critical developmental time frames may not lead to detectable diseases and health complications later in their life. In wildlife, the critical development time frames are [[Uterus|in utero]], [[in ovo]], and during reproductive periods. In humans, the critical development timeframe is during [[prenatal development|fetal development]].<ref name="Damstra, T. 2002"/>