Endocrine Disruptor Targeted Consultation Initiated By European Commission

A targeted consultation is being conducted by the European Commission (EC) with a focus on endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs). It is intended to obtain information regarding the potential inclusion of information requirements for EDCs in several REACH Annexes, and the costs and benefits associated with that. In this blog post, we take a look at EDCs and review some key aspects of the targeted consultation.

About Endocrine Disruptors

Endocrine disrupting chemicals are chemicals that have the ability to interfere with normal bodily endocrine functioning. By their nature, EDCs can yield numerous deleterious health effects:

  • developmental malformations
  • immune system disturbances
  • impaired nervous system function
  • increased risk of cancer
  • metabolic disruption
  • reproductive system dysfunction

Endocrine system disruption via chemical substances can occur in several important ways:

  • by inhibiting normal hormonal production
  • by binding to cellular receptors, thus hindering the proper binding of the intended hormone
  • by mimicking an intended hormone, thus binding to cellular receptors and preventing or altering proper hormonal response

Some of the more common examples of EDCs include bisphenol A, dioxins, perchlorate, perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances, phthalates, phytoestrogens, polybrominated diphenyl ethers, and polychlorinated biphenyls. Because of the harmful effects that can result from exposure to them, EDCs remain a subject of ongoing concern and scientific focus.

Targeted Consultation

The targeted consultation consists of several sections designed to gather a variety of information types. These include:

  • information related to the responder
  • information related to the understanding of the effects of endocrine disruptors
  • information on the relevance of EU chemical legislation and opinions on the proposed REACH Annex revisions
  • information on the impacts (e.g., economic, environmental, social) of the proposed REACH Annex revisions

To facilitate the process of endocrine disrupting substance identification, and to align with the Chemicals Strategy for Sustainability, the EC proposes to update several Annexes to REACH Regulation (EC) No 1907/2006:

  • Annex I
    • General provisions related to substance assessment and chemical safety report development
  • Annex VII
    • Information requirements for substances whose manufacture (or import) is equal to or exceeds 1 ton
  • Annex VIII
    • Information requirements for substances whose manufacture (or import) is equal to or exceeds 10 tons
  • Annex IX
    • Information requirements for substances whose manufacture (or import) is equal to or exceeds 100 tons
  • Annex X
    • Information requirements for substances whose manufacture (or import) is equal to or exceeds 1000 tons

Feedback to the targeted consultation is required by October 8, 2021. Beyond this, follow-up targeted online focus groups for stakeholders will be held between October 11, 2021 and October 29, 2021.

Accessing Comprehensive Information

Endocrine disrupting chemicals, together with the damaging effects they pose on metabolism, reproduction, and other endocrine-related functions, can constitute a threat to human health and wellbeing.

For professionals who deal with endocrine disruptors in any capacity, having immediate access to detailed information is a highly valuable asset. ToxPlanet can help address this need with our suite of authoritative decision support solutions. To learn more about our offerings and how they can help address your information needs, contact us today and register for a Free Trial.