The chemical industry in the EU is often lacking data, which makes it difficult to assess whether certain substances used in consumer products are endocrine disrupting. To address this issue, researchers suggest updating the information requirements in the EU legislation, REACH, and propose different methods for evaluating chemical substances to make sure all available information is effectively utilized. The DTU National Food Institute and the University of Southern Denmark have conducted research on behalf of the Danish Environmental Protection Agency to address this issue.The Center for Endocrine Disrupters (CeHoS) has released a new report on chemicals and substances with potential endocrine disrupting properties, which could be harmful to both humans and the environment. According to the report, there is a widespread lack of data, particularly on the environmental impact of these substances. Researchers are concerned about the lack of information and are calling for updates to the EU regulation, REACH, to include requirements for data on endocrine disrupting properties. Marie Louise Holmer, a special consultant at DTU, highlighted the need for this update.The National Food Institute and co-author of the report emphasized the importance of optimizing the use of data. In the EU, there is a strong emphasis on reducing human and environmental exposure to endocrine disrupting substances. However, companies rarely provide sufficient information under EU legislation on industrial chemicals, REACH, to assess the impact of these substances on the environment. In fact, for over 70% of the 26,000 industrial chemicals, there is insufficient information to determine whether they are endocrine disrupting for humans. Therefore, it is crucial to improve the quality of data available for assessing the potential harm of these substances.The researchers suggest utilizing all available information to the fullest extent using two methods:
1. Grouping similar substances together for assessment
2. Using knowledge of harmful effects across different species.
Nine substances with indications of endocrine disrupting properties
This new study builds on a 2018 report from CeHoS, which initially identified a list of 171 substances. In this new study, the list is expanded to 192 substances. These 192 substances are then narrowed down to 97 focus substances through a series of exclusion criteria. 10 focus substances were then further researched.
10 substances were examined in a literature screening, and 9 of them showed signs of endocrine disrupting properties. Sofie Christiansen, a senior researcher at DTU National Food Institute and co-author of the report, noted that the focus now shifts to the remaining 87 substances.
The researchers caution that this initial literature screening is just the beginning, and a more comprehensive evaluation of the data is required before any final conclusions can be drawn.
Enhancing our understanding through cross-species knowledge and grouping of substances.
Given the widespread lack of data, it is important to make the most of the available information on individual chemicals. Researchers from DTU National Food Institute and the University of Southern Denmark stress the importance of utilizing all existing knowledge about the endocrine disrupting properties of substances, regardless of whether they have been studied in humans, fish, amphibians, or rodents.
“While the effects in animals and humans may vary, they stem from the same impact on the endocrine system. Thus, the effects observed in fish studies, for example, may also be relevant for humans,” said.Dr. Henrik Holbech, who works as an associate professor in the Department of Biology at the University of Southern Denmark, collaborated on the study. The researchers utilized innovative methods to analyze a set of benzophenones that are commonly used as UV filters in sunscreens and cosmetics. They developed a heatmap to illustrate the potential endocrine-disrupting properties of these substances, both within the group and across different species. This heatmap can be used to identify areas where further testing is required and to determine which substances are similar enough to be assessed together. “By examining the similarities between chemical substances and incorporating knowledge across different species, we can gain a better understanding of their potential effects,” said Dr. Holbech.species, we use all available information to its maximum potential. This is crucial because our research indicates a lack of understanding about the endocrine disrupting properties of most substances in our surroundings,” Marie Louise Holmer explains.
About endocrine disrupting substances
Endocrine disrupting substances are becoming a growing concern for both human health and the environment. These substances are believed to potentially contribute to fertility issues, obesity, cancer, diabetes, as well as disruptions in brain development and function in the population.Endocrine disrupting substances are present in a variety of products including cosmetics, clothing, toys, food, and medicines. These substances can also enter the environment and have the potential to impact fish, amphibians, and other animals. There are concerns that these substances may be contributing to species loss and reduced biodiversity.