Scientists around the world are concerned about which natural or artificially produced substances could influence the hormone balance especially in humans. Here, the thyroid plays an outstanding role in metabolism. It has an influence for instance on breath, heartbeat, on the central and peripheral nervous system, body weight, body temperature etc. The thyroid gland regulates the metabolism through the interplay of thyroid hormones.

Man-made chemicals can interfere the sensitive process of thyroid signalling pathways. In case of sufficient exposure, such chemical can result in health impairments.

Methods that show themselves to be effective in the validation study are subject for a further assessment with a prospect of a possible application in the chemicals regulation according to the EU's initiative to identify potential risks to human health through endocrine disrupters in the environment.

Source:
https://ec.europa.eu/jrc/en/science-update/vitro-methods-detection-thyroid-disruptors