Endocrine Disruptors: Avoiding Contamination

Nearly 800 substances considered as disruptors…

What are Endocrine Disruptors?

According to the WHO and Regulation (EC) 1272/2008, an endocrine disruptor (ED) is a substance or a mixture of substances that alters the functions of the endocrine system and thereby induces harmful effects in an intact organism, its offspring, or within (sub)populations.

These are chemicals capable of interfering with the functioning of the system responsible for the production and regulation of hormones. They can have adverse effects on human health, including development, reproduction, the immune system, and metabolism. Moreover, EDs are present in a wide variety of environments, including air, water, food, and everyday products. They can originate from natural sources such as pesticides or anthropogenic sources like plastics and consumer goods.

Therefore, there are nearly 800 chemical substances with proven or suspected endocrine-disrupting properties. Among them, we can mention:

• Pesticides
• Bisphenol A and analogues
• Phthalates
• Flame retardants (PBDE)
• Perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS)
• Products from incomplete combustions from incinerators, metallurgical and steel industries, and the practice of burning vegetation (dioxins, furans, PCBs)
• Hygiene products (Triclosan) and cosmetics (parabens)
• Phytoestrogens

The Effects of Endocrine Disruptors

However, the effects of EDs on human health are still not fully understood. Studies have shown that they may be associated with an increased risk of developing certain cancers, reproductive disorders, cardiovascular diseases, neurological developmental disorders, and diabetes.

In the environment, EDs can impact the health of animals (malformations, behavioral, reproductive, and/or hormonal changes). They can also reduce the growth and reproduction of plants, leading to a decline in populations and ultimately affecting crops. Finally, they are also a factor in soil pollution.

What does the Research say?

Research on this family of contaminants is ongoing. Scientists continue to learn new information about their effects on human health and the environment, especially in the long term. It is important to continue research on EDs to better understand these substances and propose effective measures to reduce user exposure.

The European Partnership for the Assessment of Risks from Chemicals (PARC) is one of the projects selected for funding under the European Union’s « Horizon Europe » framework program for 2021-2027.

Endocrine Disruptors in the Agri-food Sector

The agri-food sector has been working on the issue of endocrine disruptors for several years. It is a concern for health and the environment. Authorities, companies, and all stakeholders in the sector, including Mérieux NutriSciences, study and address this phenomenon to protect consumer health. To this end, they implement various elements to guide the Industry in managing these substances.

The Regulatory Framework around Endocrine Disruptors

The regulatory framework includes products that may contain substances considered as EDs. These are defined as such by Regulation (EC) 1907/2006, known as REACH, which requires manufacturers and importers of endocrine disruptors to provide information on the potential risks of these elements to human health and the environment. Other regulations, govern the use of certain chemical substances, including pesticides, to preserve human health and the environment.

What are the Risks in case of Non-compliance?

In the event of non-compliance with regulations surrounding EDs, such as the REACH Regulation or the CLP Regulation, the market operator will be unable to market its products in the EU. In practical terms, this implies disorganization for industries, including additional costs for exportation and many other constraints.

Thus, the regulation surrounding EDs is diverse and originates from different sources. Mérieux NutriSciences can assist you in deciphering this information.

How can Mérieux NutriSciences Support you on this Topic?

To comply with this regulatory framework, manufacturers need to test their products. Mérieux NutriSciences can assist you in this analytical journey. Under the AGEC law, our laboratories can analyze 10 substances:

• 2 bisphenols, including BPA
• 5 phthalates: dicyclohexyl phthalate, diisobutyl phthalate, dibutyl phthalate, bis(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate, and benzyl butyl phthalate
• 2 nonylphenols: nonylphenol and p-nonylphenol
• 1 pesticide: mancozeb

All analyses are accredited (excluding the two nonylphenols). These analyses can be conducted in most foods and packaging materials.

Beyond analytics, Mérieux NutriSciences supports you in managing this issue at all levels.

For more information, contact our experts: