Dealing with research in many aspects of endocrine disruption by environmentally-encountered toxic substances in humans, other mammals, and other vertebrates, this book looks at the role of contaminants as endocrine disruptors. Initial chapters provide a background on the evolution of the vertebrate endocrine system, the evolution of vertebrate systems associated with lipid storage and utilisation, and the degradation and excretion of toxins. Additional chapters examine specific aspects of endocrine disrupting contaminants (EDC), the effects on the immune and nervous system, as well as the effects on the liver and thyroid. Written by experts in their respective fields, each chapter considers the evolution of endocrine signalling, the comparative nature of supporting data, and the separate role of EDCs in adults versus developing embryos.