Review of the U.S. EPA's Endocrine Disrupting Chemicals Research Program
Author Information
Author(s): Anna K. Harding, George P. Daston, Glen R. Boyd, George W. Lucier, Stephen H. Safe, Juarine Stewart, Donald E. Tillitt, Glen Van Der Kraak
Primary Institution: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Hypothesis
Weakly endocrine-active compounds in the environment are having significant adverse effects on public and environmental health.
Conclusion
The U.S. EPA's Endocrine Disrupting Chemicals Research Program has made significant progress in understanding the impacts of endocrine disruptors, but challenges remain in fully evaluating their effects.
Supporting Evidence
- The program has established long-term goals that guide research priorities.
- Significant progress has been made in understanding the ecological effects of endocrine disruptors.
- Two mammalian tests for endocrine disruptors have completed validation and are soon to be available for use.
Takeaway
Scientists are studying how certain chemicals can mess with hormones in people and animals, and they found that these chemicals can be harmful.
Methodology
The review involved an independent peer review by a subcommittee of experts who evaluated the program's design, relevance, progress, and resources.
Limitations
The program faces challenges in wildlife toxicology expertise and the complexity of evaluating combined effects of endocrine disruptors.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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