EDMVAC Information EDMVAC Meetings Past EDMVS Meetings Priority Setting Federal Register Notice [PDF file, 122K] Assay Status Learn More About Endocrine Disruptors

This site provides you information about endocrine disruptors and EPA's approach and progress for screening and testing chemicals for potential endocrine disruption. You will also find information about EDSP's program activities and upcoming meetings.

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.

If you are new to the topic of endocrine disruption you might want to read the EDSP Overview and EDSP Primer. These provide more detailed information on the endocrine system and EDSP. EDSP is currently proceeding on three fronts:

EPA's Assay Development and Validation team is leading the scientific and technical testing needed to validate the endocrine disruptor screens and tests.

EPA's Priority Setting workgroup is developing and refining the approach EPA will use to select and prioritize chemicals for endocrine disruptor screening and testing.

EPA's Regulatory Activities workgroup is developing the regulatory processes and procedures needed to implement the EDSP.

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