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Bioaccumulation

Meaning

Bioaccumulation describes the process by which a substance, such as a chemical compound or heavy metal, progressively builds up in an organism faster than the organism can metabolize or excrete it. This phenomenon leads to an increasing concentration of the substance in the body’s tissues over time. In the context of hormonal health, particular concern is placed on lipophilic compounds like endocrine-disrupting chemicals ($text{EDCs}$) which tend to accumulate in fat tissue. Understanding bioaccumulation is critical for assessing long-term toxicological risk and its impact on endocrine function.