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This site provides information about the Endocrine Disruptor Screening Program (EDSP) and EPA's approach and progress for screening and testing
chemicals for potential endocrine effects. If you are new to the topic of endocrine disruption you might want to read the EDSP Overview and EDSP Primer for more detailed information on the endocrine system and the EDSP.
In recent years, some scientists have proposed that certain chemicals might be disrupting the endocrine system of humans and wildlife. A variety of chemicals have been found to disrupt the endocrine systems of animals in laboratory studies, and compelling evidence shows that endocrine systems of certain fish and wildlife have been affected by chemical contaminants, resulting in developmental and reproductive problems. Based on this and other evidence, Congress passed the Food Quality Protection Act in 1996, requiring that EPA initiate EDSP to screen pesticide chemicals and environmental contaminants for their potential to affect the endocrine systems of humans and wildlife.
Highlights
EDSP Tier 1 Screening Battery Test Guidelines (OPPTS Harmonized Test Guidelines Series 890)
Schedule
of EDSP
Screening Order Issuance
Policies and Procedures for the EDSP
Endocrine disruptor screening is currently proceeding on three fronts: 1) The Tier 1 battery composed of the validated assays has been finalized and we are in the process of developing and validating Tier 2 tests; 2) Chemical selection for screening and testing; and 3) Implementing the policies and procedures the Agency will use to require testing.
EPA issued the first test orders for pesticides to be screened for their potential effects on the endocrine system on October 29, 2009. Testing will eventually be expanded to cover all pesticide chemicals. Now that screening is underway, EPA is preparing to review the responses, make decisions, and require additional testing (Tier 2) as needed.
EPA published two Federal Register Notices on October 21st, 2009:
- EPA announced the EDSP Tier 1 battery of assays and availability of test guidelines (protocols) for conducting the assays included in the battery. More information about the Tier 1 screening battery.
- EPA announced the issuance of the initial EDSP screening orders and the schedule of issuance.
EPA has previously published two related Federal Register Notices describing elements of the EDSP for initial screening and testing:
- April 15, 2009 - Final List of Initial Pesticide Active Ingredients and Pesticide Inert Ingredients to be Screened under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (PDF) (7 pp, 62KB, About PDF). The final list includes 67 chemicals to be screened under Tier 1 of the program. More information about the final list. Nothing in the approach for generating the initial list provides a basis to infer that any of the chemicals selected interfere with or are suspected to interfere with the endocrine systems of humans or other species.
- April 15, 2009 - Announcement of the Revised Policies and Procedures for the Endocrine Disruptor Screening Program (PDF) (20 pp, 123KB, About PDF) that EPA is adopting, including the statutory requirements associated with and format of the test orders, as well as EPA's procedures for fair and equitable sharing of test costs and data confidentiality. More information about the revised policies and procedures.