Where It Comes From
Medical hormone therapy and compounding; illegal or unregulated anabolic steroid products; waste from people, livestock, and manufacturing; improper medicine disposal [1][3][4].
How You Are Exposed
Using or touching gels, injections, or pills; skin contact with someone’s topical product; handling in pharmacies/clinics; drinking water with trace levels [1][2][3][4].
Why It Matters
Can cause acne, mood changes, infertility, menstrual changes, testicular shrinkage, liver damage, blood pressure and cholesterol changes, and heart risks; may harm developing fetuses; disrupts fish reproduction and development [1][3].
Who Is at Risk
People who use or misuse steroids; pregnant or breastfeeding people, infants, and teens; healthcare and lab workers who compound or handle the drug; workers near manufacturing [1][2].
How to Lower Your Exposure
Use only as prescribed; avoid skin transfer (wash hands, cover application sites, let gel dry); never share; use take‑back programs for disposal; workers should follow NIOSH handling and PPE guidance [1][2][4].
References
- [1]ATSDR. ToxFAQs: Anabolic Steroids. Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry.
- [2]CDC/NIOSH. NIOSH List of Hazardous Drugs in Healthcare Settings and guidance for safe handling.
- [3]WHO/UNEP. State of the Science of Endocrine-Disrupting Chemicals 2012.
- [4]U.S. EPA. Pharmaceuticals and Personal Care Products (PPCPs) and Endocrine Disruption resources.