Evaluation of Human Health Effects caused by Environmental and Occupational Exposure of Endocrine Disrupting Chemicals

Abstract

Over the past two decades, there has been intensive work on Endocrine-Disrupting Chemicals (EDCs) within the European Union (EU). The European Commission (EC) has formulated a strategy encompassing various measures aimed at promoting research, fostering international collaboration, and disseminating information to the public. Long-term initiatives within this strategy involve the development and adoption of legislations and policies dedicated to the identification, risk assessment, and management of EDCs (Hecker and Hollert 2011). The regulation of EDCs falls under the purview of different EU legislations, including REACH (EU 2006) and the Plant Protection Products Regulation (EU 2009). However, the establishment of clear definitions and criteria for identifying and managing potential EDCs has been delayed due to gaps in knowledge and uncertainties regarding their impact on living organisms (Hansen et al. 2007).

Apart from the sheer volume of potential Endocrine-Disrupting Chemicals (EDCs) that need examination, the process is also time-consuming, contributing to the delayed generation of high-quality results. In summary, the challenges faced by European efforts to regulate Endocrine-Disrupting Chemicals (EDCs) reflect the general difficulties in regulating new risks. The dilemma arises from the lack of quantitative evidence for the regulation of EDCs despite societal pressure. The production of such evidence is time-consuming, thereby impeding swift regulation and intensifying the societal demand for immediate regulatory action. This dilemma is also observable in other environmental issues characterized by extraordinary complexities and uncertainties.