Scientists urge UN to take action on EDCs

By Andrew MCDOUGALL

- Last updated on GMT

Scientists urge UN to take action on EDCs

Related tags Endocrine disruptor

A group of scientists has urged the UN to take action on chemicals used in consumer products that may pose serious health risks, despite cosmetics repeatedly branded as safe.

The scientists include authors of a recent report by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the United Nations Environment Program (UNEP), and have underlined the urgent need for global action to address the dangers of hormone or endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs).

An endocrine disruptor is an exogenous substance or mixture that alters function of the endocrine system and consequently causes adverse health effects. They are found in a range of consumer goods including cosmetics.

Safety

There have been a number of statements recently, questioning the safety of consumer products, and this is the latest of a growing effort to control the harmful effects of chemicals that damage hormonal (endocrine) systems in humans and wildlife.

However, in the cosmetics industry there is a legal obligation for manufacturers and importers to carry out a rigorous safety assessment performed by a qualified, scientific expert before placing a cosmetic product on the market.

Cosmetic products are strictly controlled by safety legislation, taking into account the finished product, all of the ingredients, how and where the product is to be used, how often and by whom.

Therefore whilst there are serious reports circulating, industry still urges consumers not to panic or be misled over the safety of cosmetics.

Letter

In their letter addressed to UNEP, WHO, Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) and the Strategic Approach to International Chemicals Management (SAICM), the scientists recommended a number of key principles, supported by current scientific research, to guide upcoming efforts in this area.

"Exposure to EDCs during fetal development and puberty plays a role in the increased incidence of reproductive disease, endocrine-related cancers, behavioral and learning problems including ADHD, infections, asthma and perhaps obesity and diabetes in humans,"​ said William F. Young, Jr., MD, president of The Endocrine Society.

The Society's 2009 Scientific Statement on EDCs was the first in-depth scientific report to draw attention to the unique properties of these chemicals, and the Society and its members remain active in advancing endocrine science and the knowledge of how EDCs affect health.

Related topics Regulation & Safety

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