Introductory Chapter: Awareness of the Health Impacts of Endocrine Disrupting Substances

Summary

This chapter introduces key issues from the book, which reflects the topics of the `Environmental Health Aspects of Endocrine Disrupters’ interactive seminar, held in Kos, Greece, September 1999. In this seminar, a multidisciplinary approach to this topic was adopted. This volume includes the scientific overview as well as the international policy, strategy and points of view on this subject.

During the last few decades thousands of tonnes of man-made chemicals have been produced and released into the environment. Many of these chemical substances disrupt the function of the endocrine system and are called endocrine disrupting substances (EDSs). They are associated with a variety of adverse health effects in wildlife and humans. It has been proven that endocrine disrupting substances affect wildlife especially in its reproductive capacity, in highly polluted areas. Deterioration in human sperm quality, which is observed in some areas, specific congenital malformations, immunosupression and cancer are attributed, at least in part, to the action of endocrine disrupting substances. The topic is introduced by an overview of EDs and their possible implication for health. The main sources of endocrine disrupters in air, water, soil and food are described and the usefulness of this information for EDs can be identified by bioanalytical techniques including the in vitro E-SCREEN assay. As the endocrine system regulates complex functions, hormone disregulation results in a wide array of effects. Breast cancer as a hormone related disease and the impact of bisphenols and diethylstilboestrol on human health are presented in detail, as well as the impact on human reproduction and the immune system.

Even though efficient measures to limit environmental exposure to EDs have not been taken yet, there is international mobility on this subject. The chlorine industry states that there is no need for measures at present since there is no definite proof, but only evidence of the adverse health effects of endocrine disrupters. Simultaneously, industry is funding research projects to clarify the topic. Among the chemicals with endocrine disrupting properties, pesticides are included. Currently there is no unique test to identify the endocrine disruption of pesticides. Nor is xenoestrogenicity a benchmark for the authorisation of pesticides in the European Union, although test combinations exist allowing the prediction of oestrogenic action. In the European Union, measures have been proposed with short-, medium-and long-term actions to reduce involuntary exposure to EDs. In Europe, there is still no clear guideline regarding xenoestrogens in drinking water. The European Environmental Bureau welcomes the policy of the Commission but suggests also additional precautionary measures. The WHO has started a programme to assess their hazardous effects. The US EPA implemented new guidelines related to xenoestrogens for the authorisation of new chemical substances.

This interactive workshop addressed the subject of endocrine disrupters through a multidisciplinary aproach. Scientists from different disciplines interacted and exchanged opinions during a three-day seminar. The discussion revealed the gaps in knowledge and pointed to the necessary measures to be taken. In view of the complex nature of the subject, it is most probable that hard scientific data will not be available before irreversible health effects occur in humans and in wildlife. Applying the precautionary principle to the elimination of the chemicals suspected of endocrine disruption should be a priority in decision making. Through the procedure of interaction, ASPIS contributed to increasing awareness as a key factor in the basis for decision making on EDs. It is taken for granted that dissemination of information on these subjects is a legal right of citizens.