Health, Safety & the Environment
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| Endocrine Disruption: The Role of the Chemical Industry |
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| The chemical industry is taking an active role in the global quest for answers on the issue of endocrine disruption. |
Though existing regulations to protect us from adverse effects of chemicals already encompass potential effects linked to endocrine disruptors, there is still a lot to understand about the mechanism of endocrine disruption. As a consequence, the chemical industry has undertaken a global research programme under the auspices of the International Council of Chemical Associations (ICCA)’ Long-range Research Initiative (LRI).
This programme is funding research by scientists intended to identify hazards, characterise risks and fill knowledge gaps in issues such as endocrine disruption. In addition, LRI is also actively participating in OECD (Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development)-led initiatives to develop globally accepted testing methodologies for endocrine disruption. See ‘testing for endocrine disruption’ for more details.
On the regulatory level, the Endocrine Modulators Study Group (EMSG) acts as the chemical industry’s voice in stakeholder discussions on the issue. Sharing information and supporting investigations will help us continue to ensure that our products are safe for humans and the environment.
