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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
EDCs Found in Breast Milk, Infants
A variety of endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) were found in breast milk and in the urine of children from birth up to 6 months, according to a study from a team in Italy presented at ENDO 2026, the Endocrine Society’s annual meeting in Chicago, IL, US. The study findings have led to a prevention campaign with results currently under evaluation, and several stakeholders have signed agreements to monitor and reduce these chemicals in their products in Italy.
Swedish Cohort Study Examines Link Between PFOS and Inflammation in Children
A recently-published analysis of data from the All Babies in Southeast Sweden (ABIS) study shows that prenatal inflammation may increase the risk of developing type 1 diabetes later in life and PFOS exposure, even at very low levels, could contribute to prenatal inflammation.
Revision of EU REACH Regulation
The European Commission has cancelled its long-awaited revision of the REACH (Regulation, Evaluation, Authorisation of Chemicals) Regulation following a stalemate in the internal debate within the Commission over how to update it. The debate between sections of the Commission which want to ‘simplify’ (DG GROW for industry) and others who want to ‘update and modernise’ (DG ENV for environment) has been resolved for now by agreement to keep the status quo and not re-open REACH. Some stakeholders and NGOs who want to strengthen its provisions, including for EDCs, still consider this a win as it avoids potential weakening of existing controls if REACH were opened for changes in the current climate. The debate on a revision will continue into the next mandate of the European Commission in 2029.
PFAS Universal Ban
Following the Committee for Socio-Economic Analysis (SEAC) final opinion scientific assessment committee’s final opinion in March, and the upcoming opinion of the REACH Committee, the EU Commission will make its proposal for a ban, likely in first half of 2027. The scientific opinion supports a broad EU-wide restriction, but also concludes that a full, immediate restriction would not be proportionate. The Endocrine Society welcomes SEAC’s opinion supporting an EU-wide restriction, while appreciating that an essential use approach may be necessary for specific applications.
Chemicals Omnibus—Controls on CMRs in Cosmetic Products
The original proposals in the Chemicals Omnibus would have led to weakening of protection against carcinogens, mutagens, and reprotoxic substances (CMRs) in cosmetic products. These Commission proposals were firmly rejected by the European Parliament at its April vote. The Endocrine Society had written jointly with the European Society of Endocrinology (ESE) and European Society for Paediatric Endocrinology (ESPE) to the relevant MEPs calling for existing protections to be upheld and in support of proposals for bans on EDCs or PFAS in cosmetics. We are encouraged that MEPs have responded to the voices urging to uphold the existing controls on CMRs in cosmetics and this has been confirmed in the final agreed text on cosmetics.
In addition, the EU Parliament almost passed an amendment calling for a ban on EDCs in all hygiene and cosmetic products—it was lost by three votes. This is an important signal that the political will to act on EDCs is growing and attracting support from increasing numbers of decision-makers across the political spectrum. Some MEPs responded to the joint ES and ESE letter indicating their support for our position and welcomed the input of a science-based approach. The Endocrine Society wrote to express appreciation to the lead MEPs, including to all who co-signed the amendment on the ban on EDCs.
Pesticides in Food/Farming Omnibus
Proposals in the Food/Farming Omnibus pose a serious threat to existing protections from harmful pesticides in certain pesticide regulations. This is the next debate on the EU agenda regarding chemicals, including EDCs in pesticides. Strong efforts will be needed to reject the proposed roll-back of existing regulations to control pesticides, which is supported by industry and many farmers.
EU Commission Roadmap on Animal Testing
The EU Commission has published a roadmap to phase out animal testing for chemical safety assessments. It aims to "transition from traditional animal testing methods to innovative non-animal approaches" that "must deliver a level of protection equivalent to that of currently established methods". This is in response to a European Citizens’ Initiative of 2023, which called for a stronger ban on animal testing for cosmetics and a phase-out of animal testing altogether.
France Actions
French President Macron announced in April a French government decision to launch a national campaign on EDCs.
UN Special Rapporteur on Toxics
The newly appointed Special Rapporteur on toxics and waste for the UN Human Rights Council is a Swedish scientist, Bethanie Carney Almroth from the University of Gothenburg.
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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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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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