According to a newly published report by the United Nations World Health Organization’s (WHO) Regional Office for Europe, the observed global increase in many endocrine-related disorders is increasingly associated with scientific evidence pointing to exposure to endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs). Unintended byproducts formed during chemical manufacturing (like NIAS) are especially mentioned as adding to the complexity of the issue of identifying EDCs. The WHO report outlines ongoing activities related to EDCs in different countries, including Denmark, France, Japan, Korea and the US. It also gives an overview of epidemiological research findings linking exposure to EDCs with human health effects, with a special focus on vulnerable population groups. Future needs are discussed, for example the systematic screening of EDCs, and addressing endocrine disruption beyond estrogenic, androgenic and thyroidal effects.
Reference
WHO (2014). “Identification of risks from exposure to endocrine-disrupting chemicals at the country level.” Edited by N. Besbelli and I. Zastenskaya.
