EPA Issues "Endocrine Disruptor" Report Interim Position

Cites concerns - no causal link to human health effects determined, but more research needed

In March, the Environmental Protection Agency released its Special Report on Environmental Endocrine Disruption: An Effects Assessment and Analysis. EPA's report calls for more research into potential human, laboratory animal and wildlife health impacts, and notes that multi-year studies are currently in progress. EPA will consider additional regulations based on conclusive findings of research.

The lengthy report evaluates more than 300 peer-reviewed studies on the effects of industrial chemicals on humans, laboratory animal and wildlife hormone systems. An endocrine disruptor is an external agent (e.g., chemical, heavy metal, or other natural or man-made substance) that interferes in some way with the role of natural hormones in the body.

EPA's report states that "a causal relationship between exposure to specific environmental agents and adverse health effects in humans operating via endocrine disruption has not been established. (Exceptions have included incidents of chemical exposure in the workplace and exposure to the drug DES.) For example, conclusive evidence linking environmental exposure to endocrine disruptors with infertility or cancers of the breast and prostate is not available at this time. Further research is needed before such effects can be either demonstrated or ruled out." The report says that long-term, high-level exposures to industrial chemicals or heavy metals (e.g., via accidental spills, high-level laboratory exposures or inadequate municipal or manufacturing waste controls) may cause or contribute to adverse effects on wildlife or laboratory animals under some conditions. EPA says, "In many cases, the chemicals associated with effects already have been identified as problem substances due to their toxicity and persistence, and, therefore, are heavily regulated or banned from commercial use in the United States. Examples include DDT, PCBs and certain heavy metals."

ARCC is currently considering research designed to investigate the potential impacts of workplace exposure to industrial chemicals.