Critical Windows of Human Exposure

Different periods of human development are susceptible to chemical exposure. These 'critical windows' are characterized by hormone regulation of:

1. cell proliferation in developing organs,
2. cell migration, and
3. development of specialized function

Identification of critical windows of chemical sensitivity is extremely important in the evaluation of the effects of all toxicant chemicals including those suspected of causing endocrine disruption. Fetal chemical exposure, for example, may result in permanent alterations in reproductive or neurological function. While fetal development is commonly known to be a period of increased sensitivity to chemical insult, childhood and adolescence are also marked by continued maturation of key endocrine systems, and are therefore susceptible to chemical exposure.

To learn more about critical windows of development sensitive to chemical exposure, click below:

Critical windows of sensitivity to endocrine disruption during human development

Critical windows of sensitivity to endocrine disruption during human female development

Critical windows of sensitivity to endocrine disruption during human male development