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ENDOCRINE-DISRUPTING CHEMICALS
To share the latest science-based information on EDCs, we have prepared the following newsletter for policymakers in the EU. If you have any questions or requests for content, please reach out to Joe Laakso, PhD, Director of Science Policy at [email protected].
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THE LATEST EDC SCIENCE
PFAS Implicated in Liver Disease
EDC-MASLD is an EU-funded project focused on exploring the role of Endocrine-Disrupting Chemicals (EDCs) in the progression of Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatotic Liver Disease (MASLD). This study provides evidence that a mixture of PFAS can cause “dose-dependent, non-monotonic responses” — where a low-dose exposure can have a significant effect—on various metabolic processes, advancing our understanding of how PFAS cause health harms.
EU EDC POLICY DEVELOPMENTS
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Endocrine Society European Union
EDC Task Force
Anne-Simone Parent, MD, PhD, GIGA-Neurosciences, University of Liège, Liège, Belgium, Pediatric Department, University Hospital, Liège, Belgium
Rémy Slama, PhD, Inserm & ENS, Paris, France
Jorma Toppari, MD, PhD, University of Turku and Turku University Hospital, Turku, Finland
Ángel Nadal, PhD, IDiBE and CIBERDEM,
Miguel Hernández University of Elche, Alicante, Spain
Katharina M. Main, PhD, University of Copenhagen and Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
Josef Köhrle, Dr. rer. nat., Charité University-Medicine Berlin, Berlin, Germany
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We have welcomed some positive progress in EU policymaking over recent months, and look forward to providing input to further EU proposals, in particular on the revision of the REACH regulation. The Endocrine Society supported a delegation of EDC scientists to meet high-level decision-makers in Brussels in March, jointly with the European Society for Endocrinology (ESE). This included the Environment Commissioner, Jessica Roswall, and the office of senior EU Vice-President Teresa Ribera. In June, we sent a joint letter to the national Environment Ministers calling for action on EDCs.
- Toys: New EU toy safety rules to protect children’s health include banning EDCs in toys and additional bans on certain PFAS and harmful bisphenols.
- Food Packaging: A ban on EDCs in some food packaging such as can coatings, plastic bottles, and kitchenware was complemented by a ban on use of PFAS above certain thresholds.
The Endocrine Society asks EU policymakers to support a general ban on EDCs in all consumer products and controls that apply to EDCs in both categories 1 and 2— known and suspected— given the ongoing and serious impacts on health.
Global adoption of hazard classes for EDCs
The Endocrine Society supports the EU’s proposal to introduce the EU hazard classification categories of known and suspected EDCs into the Globally Harmonized System (GHS). We are participating in discussions at the OECD level in support of this approach. the new classes.
REACH Revision Proposal
We gave input to the Commission’s public consultation in April on early drafts for the REACH revision. The final proposals are expected by the end of 2025. We welcome the Commission’s commitment to improve REACH information requirements for EDCs to close existing data gaps, and we call for the following measures to be included in the revision:
- Strict information requirements for companies to test using sensitive testing methods that can evaluate chemicals for effects on endocrine systems, which are exquisitely sensitive to small changes in hormone levels.
- Generic approach, applying positive hazard data to similar chemicals, to controls to prevent regrettable substitutions.
- Use of a Mixture Assessment Factor to address chemical cocktails.
Other relevant policy developments:
- Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS): Because PFAS have endocrine-disrupting properties and are extremely persistent, the Endocrine Society welcomes the proposal for a general ban on use of PFAS, appreciating that an essential use approach may be necessary for certain applications. The proposal is being assessed by the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) and a recommendation is due in 2026.
- One Substance, One Assessment: A proposal to create a common data platform to increase the simplicity and transparency of EU chemical rules has been provisionally agreed.
- Chemicals Simplification Omnibus: This proposal to simplify provisions of the EU Cosmetics Directive is a cause for concern as it would weaken legal safeguards restricting the use of CMRs in cosmetics. Since many CMR substances are also EDCs, the Endocrine Society issued a joint statement with others in the endocrine community warning of the risks of this proposal.
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POLICY RECOMMENDATIONS AND RESOURCES ON EDCS
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ENDOCRINE DISRUPTING CHEMICALS (EDCs)
Endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) are exogenous chemicals or their mixtures that can interfere with any aspect of hormone action. EDCs such as bisphenols, phthalates, and PFAS are found in food, toys, cosmetics, medicines, and plastics as well as throughout the environment. Scientific evidence has shown that exposure to EDCs has contributed to increases in the incidence of diseases including neurodevelopmental, reproductive, and metabolic disorders, as well as some cancers.
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Founded in 1916, the Endocrine Society is the world’s oldest and largest international organization dedicated to research on endocrine science and the clinical treatment of patients with endocrine diseases. Our members include researchers and clinicians from over 120 countries, including all the member states of the European Union. Since 2013, the Endocrine Society has made improving regulation of EDCs a top priority and has been the leading voice of endocrine science in global policy efforts. We have hosted several briefings in the European Parliament and numerous meetings with Members of the European Parliament and Commission officials. The Endocrine Society supports effective translation of scientific knowledge on EDCs and their health effects to regulatory policies that protect consumers and improve regulatory testing strategies.
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ENDOCRINE SOCIETY
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