Everyday Chemicals And Health - Assessing New Reseach Findings On Endocrine Disrupters

Main Category: Endocrinology
Also Included In: Fertility;  Pediatrics / Children's Health
Article Date: 14 Oct 2006 - 16:00 PDT

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Reports show that genital malformations in baby boys have been on the increase in many European countries, and that the number of people diagnosed with breast, testis and prostate cancers continues to increase. Recent data indicate that in parts of Europe, sperm quality is approaching levels that may impair fertility. At the same time, wildlife in certain areas of Europe shows signs of sexual disruption. The concern is that chemicals able to interfere with the normal functioning of hormones, so-called endocrine disrupters, may play a role in these conditions.

Many of the chemicals in everyday use have the ability to act like natural hormones or to interfere with hormone action. Substances of concern include certain pesticides, plasticizers, industrial chemicals and ingredients of household products and cosmetics.

To pinpoint the potential harmful effects of endocrine disrupters, the European Union has embarked on massive research efforts and to date launched scientific projects worth more than 140 million euros. The intention is to give the EU the information it needs to ensure that chemicals are tested adequately before they reach the market, and to identify effects of chemicals already in use.

Much of this research has now been completed, and new findings concerning the effects of chemicals, especially when present as cocktails, have emerged.

With the aim of reviewing the implications of these new findings for EU policy-making, an international conference under the auspices of the Finnish EU presidency will be held on 8-10 November 2006 in Helsinki. The meeting is organised and hosted by the Academy of Finland, in cooperation with the European Commission's Research Directorate-General and the European Environment Agency.

International experts and policy-makers from EU Member States will come together to assess new research findings, identify knowledge gaps, define future research priorities and consider the implications for policy-making and chemicals regulation.

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The workshop in Helsinki in November is a meeting for researchers and specialists as well as policy-makers. The work shop will come up with a final report after the meeting.

More information also in the internet http://www.aka.fi/euseminars

Author:
Academy of Finland Communications
Riitta Tirronen, Communications Specialist
http://www.aka.fi

For further information please visit:
University of Turku
National Public Health Institute
Academy of Finland

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