Endocrine Insider
October 15, 2009

(See full issue)

The Endocrine Society’s Scientific Statement and position statement on endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs), both released earlier this year, have provided a solid foundation for advocacy efforts to improve the state of EDC regulations.  Recent efforts to promote the Society’s positions include discussions with congressional staff and presentations at stakeholder meetings.

Endocrine Society member R. Thomas Zoeller, PhD, presented both his scientific expertise and the Society’s positions on endocrine disruptors during a recent meeting on reforming the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA).  The meeting was sponsored by the Pew Health Group of the Pew Charitable Trusts and cosponsored by the Environmental Working Group, American Chemistry Council, and other environmental, public health, and industry trade groups.  During his presentation, Dr. Zoeller detailed the Society’s position of incorporating all sound available data into policy decisions, emphasizing the non-linear dose-response curve of hormones and the effects of long-term exposure.

The meeting, held October 6 in Washington, was the first of its kind to bring together stakeholders with dissonant views on TSCA reform.  As healthcare reform and climate bills near completion, Congress is expected soon to turn its attention back to reforming TSCA.  The primary vehicle for TSCA reform is the Kid-Safe Chemicals Act, which has yet to be introduced in the 111th Congress but is expected to move forward soon.  Kid-Safe represents the most viable current option to introduce legislation that would ensure adequate requirements for testing of chemicals for potential EDC activity and effects.  The Endocrine Society is working with congressional staff to provide the Society’s positions and the input of its experts into the bill.

Several factors are converging to provide momentum to the TSCA reform effort.  The US Environmental Protection Agency recently released its principles for toxic substances reform, demonstrating the Administration’s commitment to this issue.  Congressional support for Kid-Safe is increasing, and stakeholders from all sides of the issue are making their perspectives clear and are publicly calling for reform.

The Endocrine Society will continue to work with policymakers and regulators to ensure the voice of endocrinologists is heard during this critical formative stage.