Endocrine Abstracts

Endocrine disrupting chemical (EDC) exposure contributes to disease and dysfunction, with annual costs >2% GDP in the US and >1% in Europe. Differences in policy explain differences in disease burden and cost. In Europe, general principles for EDCs call for minimization of human exposure, identification as substances of very high concern, and ban on use in pesticides. In the US, screening and testing programs are focused on estrogenic EDCs exclusively, and regulation is strictly risk-based. Since our reports describing 15 probable exposure-outcome associations due to EDCs, there has been a deepened understanding of their effects on human health. We have reviewed subsequent additions to the literature and identified new exposure-outcome associations with substantial human evidence. Although systematic evaluation is needed of their probability and strength, the growing evidence supports urgent action to reduce exposure. We suggest: expanded and comprehensive testing to conclusively identify EDCs, and a shift from a flawed, risk-based paradigm to one that proactively excludes chemicals with some evidence of hazardous properties. An international initiative on EDCs supported by the UN could address the weaknesses related to hazard identification and provide much-needed guidance for policies globally.