Report examines effects of hormone-disrupting chemicals on humans - A new report by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and the World Health Organization (WHO) has shown that many synthetic chemicals, untested for their disrupting effects on the hormone system, could have significant health implications.
The report, 'State of the Science of Endocrine Disrupting Chemicals', released here Tuesday calls for more research to understand fully the associations between endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs), found in many household and industrial products, and specific diseases and disorders.
The report notes that with more comprehensive assessments and better testing methods, potential disease risks could be reduced, with substantial savings to public health.
Human health depends on a well-functioning endocrine system to regulate the release of certain hormones that are essential for functions such as metabolism, growth and development, sleep and mood.
However, some substances known as endocrine disruptors can alter the function(s) of this hormonal system increasing the risk of adverse health effects.
Some EDCs occur naturally, while synthetic varieties can be found in pesticides, electronics, personal care products and cosmetics. They can also be found as additives or contaminants in food.
The UN study, which is the most comprehensive report on EDCs to date, highlights some associations between exposure to EDCs and health problems including the potential for such chemicals to contribute to the development of non-descended testes in young males, breast cancer in women, prostate cancer in men, developmental effects on the nervous system in children, attention deficit /hyperactivity in children and thyroid cancer.
EDCs can enter the environment mainly through industrial and urban discharges, agricultural run-off and the burning and release of waste. Human exposure can occur via the ingestion of food, dust and water, inhalation of gases and particles in the air, and skin contact.
“Chemical products are increasingly part of modern life and support many national economies, but the unsound management of chemicals challenges the achievement of key development goals, and sustainable development for all,” said UN Under Secretary-General and UNEP Executive Director Achim Steiner.
“Investing in new testing methods and research can enhance understanding of the costs of exposure to EDCs, and assist in reducing risks, maximizing benefits and spotlighting more intelligent options and alternatives that reflect a transition to a green economy,” Mr Steiner said.
The study makes a number of recommendations to improve global knowledge of these chemicals, reduce potential disease risks, and cut related costs.They include testing, research, reporting and collaboration.
On testing, it said known EDCs are only the ‘tip of the iceberg’ and more comprehensive testing methods are required to identify other possible endocrine disruptors, their sources, and routes of exposure.
On research, it said more scientific evidence is needed to identify the effects of mixtures of EDCs on humans and wildlife (mainly from industrial by-products) to which humans and wildlife are increasingly exposed.
The report also said many sources of EDCs are not known because of insufficient reporting and information on chemicals in products, materials and goods; and on collaboration, it said more data sharing between scientists and between countries can fill gaps in data, primarily in developing countries and emerging economies.
Pana 19/02/2013