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Review
. 2019 Feb 27;286(1897):20182416.
doi: 10.1098/rspb.2018.2416.

A restatement of the natural science evidence base on the effects of endocrine disrupting chemicals on wildlife

H Charles J Godfray  1 , Andrea E A Stephens  1 , Paul D Jepson  2 , Susan Jobling  3 , Andrew C Johnson  4 , Peter Matthiessen  5 , John P Sumpter  3 , Charles R Tyler  6 , Angela R McLean  1
Affiliations
Review

A restatement of the natural science evidence base on the effects of endocrine disrupting chemicals on wildlife

H Charles J Godfray et al. Proc Biol Sci. .

Abstract

Endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) are substances that alter the function of the endocrine system and consequently cause adverse effects to humans or wildlife. The release of particular EDCs into the environment has been shown to negatively affect certain wildlife populations and has led to restrictions on the use of some EDCs. Current chemical regulations aim to balance the industrial, agricultural and/or pharmaceutical benefits of using these substances with their demonstrated or potential harm to human health or the environment. A summary is provided of the natural science evidence base informing the regulation of chemicals released into the environment that may have endocrine disrupting effects on wildlife. This summary is in a format (a 'restatement') intended to be policy-neutral and accessible to informed, but not expert, policy-makers and stakeholders.

Keywords: ecotoxicology; endocrine active chemicals; endocrine disrupting chemicals; pollution; regulation; wastewater.

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Conflict of interest statement

A.E.A.S., P.D.J., S.J. and A.R.M. have no competing interests to report. H.C.J.G. is Chair of the Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Scientific Advisory Council, A.C.J., P.M. and J.P.S. are members of the Defra's Hazardous Substances Advisory Committee and A.C.J. is a member of the Environment Agency's Science Advisory Group. J.P.S. has regularly received financial support for some of his research from the pharmaceutical industry, with whom he sometimes collaborates. C.R.T. has been funded by various pharmaceutical (e.g. AstraZeneca, Merck, Boerhinger, Boehringer Ingelheim, etc.), and chemical and particle companies (e.g. BASF), by government bodies including Defra, by the UK Environment Agency, and by wildlife/environment protection groups and trusts (e.g. RSPB. Natural England, National Trust etc.)

References

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