EPA to Expand Chemicals Testing for Endocrine Disruption

The belief that synthetic chemicals in our food, air, water, personal health care products, household cleaning supplies, etc. are making us sick is gaining traction. While the number of synthetic chemicals registered for use in the United States is about 85,000, less than 10 percent have been tested for their effects on human health.

Fortunately, the EPA is (slowly) beginning to examine some of these chemicals.

Here are excerpts from a press release I received yesterday from the EPA, entitled “EPA to Expand Chemicals Testing for Endocrine Disruption”:

WASHINGTON - The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has identified a list of 134 chemicals that will be screened for their potential to disrupt the endocrine system. Endocrine disruptors are chemicals that interact with and possibly disrupt the hormones produced or secreted by the human or animal endocrine system, which regulates growth, metabolism and reproduction. Administrator Lisa P. Jackson has made it a top priority to ensure the safety of chemicals, and this is another step in this process.

“Endocrine disruptors represent a serious health concern for the American people, especially children. Americans today are exposed to more chemicals in our products, our environment and our bodies than ever before, and it is essential that EPA takes every step to gather information and prevent risks,” said EPA Administrator Lisa P. Jackson. “We are using the best available science to examine a larger list of chemicals and ensure that they are not contaminating the water we drink and exposing adults and children to potential harm.”

The list includes chemicals that have been identified as priorities under the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA) and may be found in sources of drinking water where a substantial number of people may be exposed. The list also includes pesticide active ingredients that are being evaluated under EPA’s registration review program to ensure they meet current scientific and regulatory standards. The data generated from the screens will provide robust and systematic scientific information to help EPA identify whether additional testing is necessary, or whether other steps are necessary to address potential endocrine disrupting chemicals.

EPA is already screening an initial group of 67 pesticide chemicals.

Click here for more information from the EPA's website.