2024-06-12 07:54:07
Contributed to the definition of endocrine disruptors in Europe
ANSES rules on the criteria for defining endocrine disruptors. This definition covers the following substances: REACH regulations (Regulation, Evaluation and Authorization of Chemicals) or included in plant protection products and biocidal products. Its opinion follows an analysis of the different definition options proposed by the European Commission. This definition was adopted at European level in 2017 (regulation UE 2017/2100 wait UE 2018/605).
Since December 22, 2022, the hazard category “Endocrine Disruptors” has been included in the hazard category CLP supervision Classification, labeling and packaging of substances and mixtures. This allows for horizontal and identical definitions regardless of the chemical used. Furthermore, this hazard classification distinguishes between suspected and putative/proven endocrine disruptors, making it possible to consider different levels of evidence. Finally, the implementation of this new hazard category ensures that workers and consumers can clearly identify and communicate the hazards of substances.
According to this definition, a substance is considered an endocrine disruptor if it meets the following three conditions:
It has endocrine activity, meaning that it interferes with hormonal function; It has deleterious effects on the intact organism or its offspring or descendants; There is a plausible biological link between endocrine activity and adverse effects.
Evaluate these chemicals
National level: National strategy on endocrine disruptors
France was the first country to formulate a national strategy for endocrine disruptors, formulating SNPE 1 from 2014 to 2016, followed by SNPE 2 from 2019 to 2024. In this context, it is entrusted with the evaluation of at least 5 substances every year and, starting from 2021, 6 chemical substances and 3 fungicides and/or phytopharmaceutical substances within the framework of the Reach regulation.
Substance prioritization work is carried out within the framework of SNPE 2. Among them, ANSES has identified 16 priority substances and considers that their risk as endocrine disruptors needs to be assessed. It also developed a method for evaluating chemicals to classify them according to their degree of potential to be endocrine disruptors (confirmed, putative or suspected categories).
At European level: distribution of assessments among member states
All active phytopharmaceuticals or fungicidal substances subject to approval or re-approval are assessed at European level, particularly with regard to endocrine-disrupting effects. ANSES, as the competent French evaluation agency, is responsible for evaluating dozens of them. The specific aim of this work is to identify substances of very high concern (SVHC) with endocrine-disrupting properties within the framework of the Regulation, Registration, Evaluation and Authorization of Chemicals (REACH). This designation will result in a ban on the use of these substances unless a renewable authorization is obtained.
Today, the issue is the submission of harmonized classification documents within the framework of the CLP regulations.
Therefore, ANSES has identified bisphenol A or, more recently, tris(nonylphenyl) phosphite and bisphenol B as human endocrine disruptors. Salts and polybrominated compounds. In addition to their effects, uses and sources of exposure, the contamination of different environments by these substances has also been studied.
Studying human and environmental pollution
European partners
ANSES participates in the HBM4EU program from 2017 to 2022 and coordinates the PARC partnership (European Partnership for Risk Assessment Related to Chemical Substances) since 2022. PARC pursues this goal while developing new methods to judge the health and environmental effects of these substances. Substances with endocrine disrupting properties and methods to evaluate them are one of the subjects of this study.
Water and food assessment activities
At Anthes, the Nancy Hydrology Laboratory studies the presence of chemical compounds in water resources and drinking water. Some of its monitoring activities include endocrine disruptors.
In addition, ANSES has conducted several studies on total diet (EAT). These measure the dietary exposure of the general population, particularly children, to substances of interest, some of which may have endocrine-disrupting effects.
Funding research to better understand endocrine disruptors
ANSES is piloting the National Environmental Health Work Research Program (PNR EST). Since 2006, the program has funded research on environmentally related health risks, including occupational risks, and ecosystem risks.
Endocrine disruptors are one of the priorities listed in the research program that the PNR EST calls for each year. Since 2018, the department responsible for the environment has allocated special funds to fund research projects on this topic.
> View Research Notebook n°13 – “Endocrine Disruptors” (PDF)
> View Research Notebook n°23 on Endocrine Disruptors (PDF)
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