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Reduce exposure to EDCs

Advocate at EU level for better EU legislation to protect women and the developing child from hormone disrupting (endocrine disrupting) chemicals (EDCs) such as phtalates, bisphenol A and pesticides.

16.07.2012


Countries: European Union
Donors: EEHI – European Environment and Health Initiative
Issues: Chemicals & Health
Duration: 01/2012 - 12/2013

EDCs have been linked to several health problems like reproductive abnormalities, cancer, obesity, early puberty etc. Among the chemicals that interfere with the hormone system are phtalates, pesticides, bisphenol A and many others. Currently the EU is in a process identifying criteria for EDCs to be used across all relevant EU legislation.

NGOs urge policy makers to get the criteria right, including the recognition of independent peer reviewed scientific studies and the application of the precautionary principle.Many products used in every day life, like toys, cosmetics, plastic products, etc. contain endocrine disrupting chemicals. Especially pregnant women and developing children are highly vulnerable to these substances, which are linked to reproductive abnormalities, cancer, obesity, early puberty etc.

The recent report on the State of the Science on EDCs (Andreas Kortenkamp et al: State of the Art Assessment of Endocrine Disruptors), published by the EU Commission provides alarming evidence that the negative impacts of EDCs are currently being underestimated and that EU legislation is currently not properly addressing this problem. The report highlights the shortfalls in existing test methods but also outlines a way forward.

The project aims to gain support for strong EDC regulation, including strong EDC criteria, by raising awareness among key policy makers in Germany that necessary precautionary measures for the protection of women and children, in particular by supporting strong EDC criteria and within the REACH regulation but also other regulation such as EU cosmetics, toys and other related directives, needs to be taken.

The project links also to other activities of WECF on EDCs, which can be seen here http://www.wecf.eu/english/chemicals-health/topics/edc.php and to the WECF Nesting programme.

For more information: alexandra.caterbow@wecf.eu


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