Disparities in endocrine-disrupting chemical exposures and thyroid disorders

Abstract

Over the last twenty years, thyroid disorder prevalence has more than doubled in the United States, with notable disparities emerging in disease incidence and outcomes. While partially attributable to inequities in healthcare delivery, whether environmental factors such as exposure to endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) contribute to differences in thyroid disease pathogenesis in vulnerable populations is plausible but understudied. To better understand how environmental factors may contribute to thyroid disease disparities, this review discusses differences in exposure to several thyroid-disrupting EDCs among historically disadvantaged communities, including polychlorinated biphenyls, bisphenols, brominated flame retardants, organochlorine pesticides, phthalates, per-/polyfluoroalkyl substances, and non-ess metals. Coupled with knowledge of exposure sources, these data may empower individual- and policy-level interventions to address thyroid disease disparities and promote health equity.