title: Regulatory decisions on endocrine disrupting chemicals should be based on the principles of endocrinology.
abstract: For years, scientists from various disciplines have studied the effects of endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) on the health and wellbeing of humans and wildlife. Some studies have specifically focused on the effects of low doses, i.e. those in the range that are thought to be safe for humans and/or animals. Others have focused on the existence of non-monotonic dose-response curves. These concepts challenge the way that chemical risk assessment is performed for EDCs. Continued discussions have clarified exactly what controversies and challenges remain. We address several of these issues, including why the study and regulation of EDCs should incorporate endocrine principles; what level of consensus there is for low dose effects; challenges to our understanding of non-monotonicity; and whether EDCs have been demonstrated to produce adverse effects. This discussion should result in a better understanding of these issues, and allow for additional dialog on their impact on risk assessment.
authors: Center for Regenerative & Developmental Biology, and Department of Biology, Tufts University, Medford, MA, United States. laura.vandenberg@tufts.edu
authors: Laura N
authors: LN
authors: Vandenberg
authors: Theo
authors: T
authors: Colborn
authors: Tyrone B
authors: TB
authors: Hayes
authors: Jerrold J
authors: JJ
authors: Heindel
authors: David R
authors: DR
authors: Jacobs
authors: Duk-Hee
authors: DH
authors: Lee
authors: John Peterson
authors: JP
authors: Myers
authors: Toshi
authors: T
authors: Shioda
authors: Ana M
authors: AM
authors: Soto
authors: Frederick S
authors: FS
authors: vom Saal
authors: Wade V
authors: WV
authors: Welshons
authors: R Thomas
authors: RT
authors: Zoeller
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D003657:Decision Making; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D052244:Endocrine Disruptors / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000633:toxicity*; D004704:Endocrinology; D004785:Environmental Pollutants / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000633:toxicity*; D033161:Government Regulation; D006801:Humans; D018570:Risk Assessment / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence
chemical_list: D052244:Endocrine Disruptors; D004785:Environmental Pollutants