EU Publishes Road Map on Endocrine Disruptors

Endocrine substances (EDC – Endocrine Disrupting Chemicals) are materials that affect the body much like hormones and that harm the organism.
Many environmental contaminants are suspected of having hormonal effects, including:

  • Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCB)
  • Special pesticides and biocides like DDT
  • Certain preservatives
  • Ingredients of printing inks and UV sunscreens like Benzophenone
  • Heavy metals like Cadmium
  • Phthalates used as plasticizers
  • Plastic ingredient Bisphenol A

Nevertheless, no criteria exist to date that clearly identify substances as EDCs.

That’s why the EU has developed a road map that seeks to define such criteria based on scientifically valid studies and information.
The Plant Protection and Biocide Product Regulations empower the Commission to establish such criteria. Article 57(f) of the REACH Regulation characterize EDCs as “Substances of very high Concern (SVHC)” that can be subject to registration.

You can download a PDF file of the EU document at Defining criteria for identifying Endocrine Disruptors in the context of the implementation of the Plant Protection Product Regulation and Biocidal Products Regulation.

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