Speaking on behalf of the Society, R. Thomas Zoeller, PhD, stressed the need for adequate protection of human health against EDC exposures. Herb Buxton, Coordinator for the USGS’ Toxic Substances Hydrology Program, spoke about endocrine disruption in fish affected by chemical pollutants. Mr. Buxton explained how EDCs are introduced into the environment through a number of means, including industrial practices and consumer products, and highlighted studies showing that EDCs have adverse effects on fish populations. Dr. Zoeller expanded on the information presented by Mr. Buxton to explain the link between the fish studies and potential threats to humans. He also described how EDCs factor into numerous developmental and health conditions, potentially linking thyroid dysfunction with cognitive disorders such as attention deficit disorder, learning disabilities, and autism.

Both speakers emphasized the need for comprehensive screening and testing of chemicals for endocrine-disrupting properties along with tighter regulation of chemicals shown to have adverse effects. Representative Moran and Senator John Kerry (D-MA) recently introduced a bill – the “Endocrine Disrupting Chemicals Exposure Elimination Act of 2011,” (HR2521/S1361) co-sponsored by 14 members of Congress including Representative Connolly – to address these issues and to promote scientific research on EDC safety. The Society has endorsed this legislation and is actively working to build support on Capitol Hill.

A video of the briefing will be made available on Representative Moran’s YouTube page.

This briefing is the latest in a number of advocacy efforts by the Society to improve awareness and regulation of EDCs.  The Society’s Scientific Statement on endocrine-disrupting chemicals and position statement represent the foundation of these efforts, and have helped to establish the Society as a preeminent source of scientific knowledge on this issue. The Society will continue to inform policymakers of the importance of endocrinology and endocrine research in the assessment of chemicals for EDC activity.