Systematic assessment of EDCs some way off, say experts
The European Commission is reported to be currently in the process of developing horizontal criteria that can be applied for EDCs across EU legislation, as well as reviewing and revising its existing strategy in the area.
"The current test methods do not enable a systematic identification of all EDCs and legislators will have to start with what is currently available, and include new methods as they are validated."
Back in 2011, the JRC was asked by the EC Directorate General for Environment to set up and chair an Endocrine Disrupters Expert Advisory Group (ED EAG) comprised of toxicologists and Eco toxicologists with regulatory endocrinology backgrounds and industry associations.
Tip of the iceberg
At a recent event to mark the publication of the European Food Safety Authority (Efsa) Scientific Committee’s opinion on EDC criteria, Olwenn Martin of Brunel University said that current test methods are only “catching the tip of the iceberg”.
"Overlaying the OECD framework against the data needs of REACH and the plant protection products regulation showed many gaps in current legislative requirements," she said, speaking at the event.
Meanwhile; Peter Smith of the European Chemical Industry Council says the Efsa opinion raised some valid questions about where identification of EDCs ends and characterisation begins, and brings into the discussion elements of risk assessment that need to be covered before regulatory action is taken.
Both of the aforementioned groups welcome the report of the JRC-led expert group, and the almost unanimous agreement that potency does not play a part in the identification of EDCs. They note that another important issue in the identification of EDCs is the level of proof that will be required to link the endocrine activity with the adverse effects.
EDCs in the EU
EDCs are generally referred to as synthetic substances that have hormonal activities and therefore might interfere with either the production or the activity of hormones within the endocrine system, leading to adverse effects. Among substances suspected to be EDCs are bisphenol A, phthalates, parabens, several synthetic UV-filters, and pesticides.
Although the use of EDCs in cosmetics like parabens, ethyl methoxycinnamate and benzophenon are currently not illegal, the EU’s policy is to allow only those ingredients that have been proven safe.
The UK and Germany’s Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR) have previously developed a tiered assessment concept for EDCs and human health impacts.
