Science-based regulation of endocrine disrupting chemicals in Europe: which approach?

Abstract

BD is a cofounder of the company WatchFrog, , a producer of fluorescent amphibian larvae for detection of chemicals. The other authors declare no competing interests. J-PB, RS, BD, RI, GCP, LT, and RTZ thank the Endocrine Society for organisational support and reimbursement of travel expenses related to meetings about incorporation of endocrine science data into the regulatory management of endocrine-disrupting chemicals.

Early postnatal genistein administration permanently affects nitrergic and vasopressinergic systems in a sex-specific way

“…Sex hormones, 17-β-estradiol (E 2 ) and testosterone, have important roles in their normal development (for recent reviews see Ball et al, 2014, Panzica andMelcangi, 2016), whereas several endocrine disruptors compounds (EDCs), at least those classified as xenoestrogens or xenoandrogens, may affect their normal development (Panzica et al, 2011). The presence of EDCs in the environment increased in the last 50 years and only recently their effects were under scientific evaluation and legislative regulation (Bourguignon et al, 2016. Many studies indicate that EDCs stimulation, during peri-and post-natal critical periods, may interfere with the formation of neuronal networks in a sex specific manner either binding or biasing the turnover of estrogen receptors (for a reviews see Panzica et al, 2007, Gore andDickerson, 2012).…”

EU regulation of endocrine disruptors: a missed opportunity

“…Earlier, we favoured option 3, which allows differentiation between known, presumed, and suspected endocrine disruptors. 5 The EC now supports option 2, with a single category for endocrine disrupters, but with a twist that will raise the degree of proof required for a chemical to be classified as an endocrine disrupter. The proposed option 2 differs from how carcinogens, mutagens, and reproductive toxicants are currently categorised in EU law.…”