Chapter 21: Regulation and Risk Management of Endocrine Disruptors: Current Status and Future Perspectives

In this chapter, we will present the current European policy regarding regulation of endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) in different sectors and report on ongoing legislative activities. Ongoing activities includes an initiative of the European Commission to identify gaps and differences in EU Regulations and Directives on chemical substances used in different fields regarding the identification and management of EDCs. Furthermore, the regulatory situation in selected OECD countries is analysed and respective programs are summarised. Work and available guidance for identifying and testing of EDCs developed by the OECD and the European authorities, the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) and the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA), are elucidated and risk management measures focusing on Registration, Evaluation, Authorization and Restriction of Chemicals (REACH), plant protection products and biocides in the EU are presented. Future perspectives, including developments that are expected to have effects on the European regulation of EDCs as well as gaps that need to be addressed by research and development to fulfil current and future regulatory requirements, are outlined.