Endocrine Disruptors
The Big Picture
A recent flurry of scientific research connects certain chemicals to disruption of the normal function of hormones in the reproductive and developmental systems in humans and wildlife. Health problems caused by these endocrine-disrupting chemicals can include reduced fertility, increased rates of cancer, abnormal sexual development, and reduced brain and nervous system development. Research is compelling enough to warrant that manufacturers of these chemicals and consumers be aware of the potential risks to human health. However, that research is incomplete and, at times, extremely controversial.
Context
Endocrine-disrupting chemicals potentially threaten human and animal populations by undermining their reproductive health. Very few of the more than 100,000 synthetic chemicals in use have been studied for their impact on the environment and animal health. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is setting standardized processes for detecting and characterizing endocrine-disrupting chemicals. Two laws passed by Congress in 1996, the Food Quality Protection Act and the Amendment to the Safe Drinking Water Act, started this screening process to determine the cumulative potential for harm of endocrine disrupting chemicals. If indeed these chemicals are found to impair the endocrine system, many of the products and manufacturing processes in use may have to be altered.
Key Players
- U.S. federal government, through the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, is coordinating a broad research effort examining chemicals for their androgen, estrogen, and thyroid disruption and establishing a screening process for chemicals.
- Chemical and chemical-related industries are conducting research and disseminating information on the safety of their products.
- Academics and other researchers are studying various aspects of endocrine-disrupting chemicals; often their research paves the way for new discoveries.
Getting Down to Business
The verdict is still out on how pervasive endocrine-disrupting chemicals are in the human context. Factors such as dosage level and time of exposure dictate how a chemical affects the human hormone system — different uses of the same chemical may have varying levels of safety. Many experts, especially those in chemical and chemical-related industries, believe that inconclusive or inaccurate research creates a tenuous link between chemicals and endocrine disruption in humans. Government legislation and consumer concern has prompted the ban of certain chemicals. Voluntary business-based efforts to address endocrine disruptors include the development of alternative practices, such as integrated pest management, that make the use of potentially harmful chemicals unnecessary. Consumer-based movements include increased consumption of organic food and non-chemical approaches to lawn and garden care.
Companies that have addressed endocrine-related issues include:
- Soil Organics Consulting Service managed the development of an organic golf course, Granite Ridge Lodge, LLC, near Ashland, Wisc. The course eliminated pesticide use by developing alternative organic methods of pest control.
- DesignTex, a furnishing textile manufacturer, manufactures products that are free of hazardous chemicals. Additionally, several of the fabrics are compostable and leave no toxic chemicals behind.
- Mattel Inc. announced in 1999 that it was investigating plant-based materials as substitute for plastic in children’s toys, and stated that it would no longer use phthalates in toys intended to be put in the mouths of children under three years. This action followed the lead of the European Union, which in 1999, issued a ban on PVC toys containing phthalates, Scientific evidence doesn’t clearly indicate harm caused by phthalates in baby toys — the ban is precautionary and in response to consumer concern.
The Upside
Because there isn’t yet conclusive policy regulating particular chemicals, a business may have difficulty determining if its products or manufacturing process are causing endocrine disruption. A business can gain public support and be ahead of government legislation by researching the chemicals it uses and eliminating endocrine disruptors. Businesses that create or use non-toxic or chemical-free products can attract the growing market segment of health- and environment-conscious consumers.
Reality Check
Reports on endocrine disruption are varying and sometimes contradictory, leaving those in business wondering what to believe. The public can react quickly to reports on the dangers of certain chemicals, and with media promotion may soon stop using particular products because of perceived or real danger. Substituting other chemicals for potential endocrine disruptors can be dangerous, as the substitute chemicals could be equally as harmful. Alternative practices, such as organic pest management, can require extensive research to establish, may alienate or confuse some customers, and may require an initial capital investment.
Action Plan
A company using or selling products that contain potential endocrine-disrupting substances should:
- Conduct further research into the chemical and its true impact on the endocrine system, based on the dose, exposure level, and other factors;
- Based on that research, identify alternatives to the chemical, either by substituting safer chemicals, or developing alternative practices or products;
- Support efforts to develop and use chemicals identified as safer for humans and animals.
Leads
- EPA Endocrine Disruptor Screening program. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency coordinates a broad research effort to characterize potential endocrine disrupting chemicals. The Web site contains current EPA research and reports on the status of this screening process.
- Our Stolen Future, a 1996 book, brought the topic of endocrine disruption to the forefront of public attention. It remains a comprehensive source of information on the subject, and promotes a fairly alarmist view of the pervasiveness of endocrine disruptors. The site and book list problem chemicals and detail health problems.
- Endocrine/Estrogen Letter published 24 times a year, covering all research related to endocrine disruption. Global Press 2008 Q St., NW #100 Washington D.C. 20009.
Bottom Line
This is a complex, controversial issue that is destined to remain on companies’ (and governments’) radar screens for years to come. Any companies that use significant amounts of suspect chemicals in the products or packaging risk becoming the target of activist or regulatory actions. While it may be impractical to identify and eliminate all potentially suspect chemicals, companies would do well to have examined their potential risks and liabilities, discussed these issues with suppliers, and have contingency plans identifying alternative products and materials that may eliminate endocrine risks.