Marta Zofia Axelstad Petersen

I am a scientist in the reproduction toxicology group. We carry out toxicological studies on rats exposed to endocrine disruptors during development, after which the effects on their reproductive- and nervous system are assessed. Since we know that people are exposed to low doses of multiple endocrine disruptors simultaneously, the endocrine disrupting chemicals are tested both individually and in combination.

  My primary work lies within the planning and execution of these toxicology studies, and subsequent data processing and statistical analysis. In the experiments we investigate the offspring during their whole life cycle, and my expert areas include: study of animal semen quality, and behavioral studies. My PhD project dealt with exposure to endocrine disruptors that affect the thyroid hormone system, and here I have tested a widely used pesticide and a common UV filter for endocrine disrupting effects. Besides my research, I advise the Danish EPA on endocrine disrupters and the Danish Veterinary and Food Administration on caffeine.