BACKGROUND 2,3,7,8-Tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD), a widespread environmental contaminant, is a known endocrine disruptor. In animal studies, TCDD exposure impairs bone metabolism and increases fragility. To our knowledge, no epidemiologic studies have examined this association. OBJECTIVES On 10 July 1976, a chemical explosion in Seveso, Italy, resulted in the highest known residential ex...

Osteoporosis is a systemic skeletal disease characterised by loss of bone mass and microarchitectural integrity that lead to increased bone fragility and risk of fracture.' Its natural history is one of slow, progressive bone loss that often remains asymptomatic and undiagnosed for many years. Only when a substantial amount of bone has been lost do the characteristic low trauma fractures occur....

Osteoporosis is a major cause of morbidity among the elderly; more than 40% of women will suffer from fractures by the time they reach the age of 70. Recent research has focused on the determinants of postmenopausal osteopenia and of postmenopausal osteoporosis. The bone density of elderly people may depend on peak bone mass in adolescence, and recent studies have tried to define the respective...

Osteoporotic fracture has a major impact upon health, both in terms of acute and long term disability and economic cost. Peak bone mass, achieved in early adulthood, is a major determinant of osteoporosis risk in later life. Poor early growth predicts reduced bone mass, and so risk of fracture in later life. Maternal lifestyle, body build and 25(OH) vitamin D status predict offspring bone mass....

Peak bone mass is largely determined by genetic control, however, 30% is determined by environmental factors, most important exercise, nutrition and chronic illness. It is recognized that the maximizing peak bone density is essential in the reduction of fracture risk at all stages of life. For children and adolescents regular exercise particularly ones that include high impact features and a we...