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State of the Science of Endocrine Disrupting Chemicals – 2012
UNEP and WHOpublished in February, 2013
From ”Global Assement of EDCs” published 2002
to …
Åke Bergman (coordinator of the 2012 document)Swedish toxicology sciences research center
It is a change to the normal function of endocrine glands and hormone action, in any living species, imposed by external (anthropogenic) stressors.
What is “Endocrine Disruption”?
Endocrine disruptors, are chemicals designed for a specific function…with a side effect of altering the function of the endocrine system.
UNEP/WHO 2013 EDC reportBergman, Geneva May 5, 2015
Drivers for an update of the ”Global Assement of EDCs” from 2002
• It has been a decade since the global IPCS assessment was published
• Important to take stock in new findings– Identify Key Concerns– Identify Future Needs
• In recognition of human health and biodiversity• Improving the global knowledge regarding EDCs
(SAICM), for improved risk reductions
UNEP/WHO 2013 EDC reportBergman, Geneva May 5, 2015
Major changes re. endocrine disruption since 2002
Many more chemicals with ED effects, many more potential EDCs
Many more hormones than yet addressed in research
Mixture effects addressed
”New” exposure routes Windows of exposure – Effects during development or
manifested later in life; transgenerational effects
Low dose effects discussed
Non-monotonic dose response
Increasing biodiversity threats
UNEP/WHO 2013 EDC reportBergman, Geneva May 5, 2015
Strength of evidence
o Effects can be explained by endocrine mode of actions (mechanisms)
o The identification of chemicals with endocrine disrupting properties linked to disease outcomes in laboratory studies
o Observations of endocrine-related effects in wildlife populations
o The rate of incidence of many endocrine-related diseases or disorders in humans
UNEP/WHO 2013 EDC reportBergman, Geneva May 5, 2015
Endocrine disruption is associated with:
• female reproductive health• male reproductive health• sex ratio in humans• thyroid related disorders and diseases• neurodevelopment in children and wildlife• hormone related cancers• adrenal disorders in humans and wildlife• immune function, immune diseases and disorders• metabolic disorders• wildlife population sustainability loss
UNEP/WHO 2013 EDC reportBergman, Geneva May 5, 2015
EDCs and female reproductive health
Downward trends in the age at breast development in girls from Europe to substantiate USA data.
Increasing experimental evidence that chemicals can interfere with endocrine signaling of:
Pubertal timing Fecundity Fertility Menopause.
Evidence linking phthalate exposure to endometriosis
DES – the most well-known chemical affecting female reproductve health HO
OH
UNEP/WHO 2013 EDC reportBergman, Geneva May 5, 2015
Key concerns
o The high incidence and the increasing trends of many endocrine-related disorders in humans;
o Observations of endocrine-related effects in wildlife populations;
o The identification of chemicals with endocrine disrupting properties linked to disease outcomes in laboratory studies;
o Increased numbers of chemicals with endocrine disrupting properties (beyond E,A,T) along with new sites of action;
o Increased body burden across the globe;
o Disease risk likely underestimated;
o Lack of knowledge of sources;
o Inadequate testing.
UNEP/WHO 2013 EDC reportBergman, Geneva May 5, 2015
Key Concerns
Disease risk due to EDCs may be significantly underestimated.
Three strands of evidence fuel concerns over endocrine disruptors:
o the high incidence and the increasing trends of many endocrine-related disorders in humans;
o observations of endocrine-related effects in wildlife populations;
o the identification of chemicals with endocrine disrupting properties linked to disease outcomes in laboratory studies.
UNEP/WHO 2013 EDC reportBergman, Geneva May 5, 2015
The speed with which the increases in disease incidencehave occurred in recent decades rules out geneticfactors as the sole plausible explanation.
Environmental and other non-genetic factors, including nutrition, age of mother, viral diseases and chemical exposures, are also at play, but are difficult to identify. Despite these difficulties, some associations have become apparent.
Key Concern
UNEP/WHO 2013 EDC reportBergman, Geneva May 5, 2015
EDCs & potential EDCs are everywhere - EDCs are chemically diverse, primarily include human-made chemicals, and are used in a wide range of materials and goods. EDCs are present in food, nature and human beings. They can also be formed in the environment and in humans, wildlife and plants.
Increasing number of EDCs & potential EDCs – Unlike ten years ago, it is better understood that humans and wildlife are exposed to far more EDCs than just persistent organic pollutants (POPs). However, only a fraction of the potential EDCs in the environment are currently understood.
Two main messages on ”Exposure to Chemicals”
UNEP/WHO 2013 EDC reportBergman, Geneva May 5, 2015
Future needs
Strengthening knowledge of EDCs
Improved testing for EDCs
Identifying EDCs
Reducing exposures and thereby vulnerability to disease
Creating enabeling environments for scientific advances, innovation and disease prevention
Methods for evaluating evidence
UNEP/WHO 2013 EDC reportBergman, Geneva May 5, 2015
Thank you
Ake BergmanExecutive DirectorProfessor, PhDPostal address: Forskargatan 20, SE-151 36 Södertälje, SwedenPhone +46-8-5248 8510Email: [email protected]: www.swetox.se
