Time to action European promises on endocrine disruptors

Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has committed to address endocrine disruptors as part of “a cross-cutting strategy to protect citizens’ health from environmental degradation and pollution” to reach “a zero-pollution ambition”.

Considering our ubiquitous exposure to these chemicals and their link to serious health conditions and costs, high-level and ambitious promises are welcome. But it is now time to put these promises into action.

Endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) – chemicals that have the ability to interfere with the functioning of our hormone system and impact our health and that of future generations – have regularly been in the spotlight of policy discussions over the last years.

These include chemicals that are used in the processing and production of plastics such as bisphenol A, phthalates such as DEHP, or pesticides that are sprayed onto agricultural crops. EDCs are contributing to serious diseases and health conditions such as hormone-related cancers, impaired fertility, diabetes and neurological problems.

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