Endocrine Disrupting Chemicals (EDCs)

EDCs can cause serious and irreversible effects on human health and the environment, even at very low doses. Proper identification and risk management are crucial for regulatory compliance and safety.

Definition and Identification

Criteria	Description	Examples
WHO/IPCS Definition	Alters function of endocrine system causing adverse effects	BPA, Phthalates, PCBs
EU Criteria	Shows endocrine mode of action with adverse effects	DEHP, DBP, BBP
Suspected EDCs	Some evidence of endocrine disruption	Various pesticides, plasticizers

Regulatory Framework

REACH Regulation

Identification as SVHC
Authorization requirement
Restriction provisions
Information requirements

Biocidal Products Regulation

Specific EDC criteria
Cut-off criteria application
Risk assessment requirements

Plant Protection Products

EDC-specific provisions
Approval criteria
Safety assessments

Testing and Assessment

Level	Test Methods	Endpoints
In vitro	Receptor binding, Cell proliferation	Mechanistic information
In vivo screening	Uterotrophic, Hershberger assays	Endocrine activity
Definitive tests	Extended one-generation studies	Adverse effects

Common EDCs and Sources

Industrial Chemicals

Bisphenol A (BPA)
Phthalates
Alkylphenols
PCBs

Pesticides

DDT and metabolites
Chlorpyrifos
Atrazine
Vinclozolin

Consumer Products

Personal care products
Food contact materials
Textiles and clothing
Electronics

Risk Management Measures

Regulatory Actions

Substance restrictions
Use limitations
Substitution requirements
Monitoring programs

Industry Measures

Alternative assessment
Safe substitution
Exposure controls
Supply chain communication

Important Considerations:

Low-dose effects possible
Multiple exposure routes
Mixture effects important
Vulnerable populations
Long-term impacts

Critical Safety Information:

EDCs can affect multiple generations through epigenetic changes
Traditional toxicology principles may not apply (non-monotonic responses)
Timing of exposure is crucial, particularly during development
Mixture effects may be more severe than individual substances