Comments Sought on Endocrine Disruptor Screening Program
EPA
is calling for comments about draft policies and procedures for the
initial screening of pesticide chemicals under the agency's Endocrine
Disruptor Screening Program (EDSP). The comments should focus on the
specific policies and related procedures that EPA will follow to impose
data requirements, minimize duplicate testing, promote equitable
cost-sharing, and protect confidential business information.
The EDSP was established in response to the Federal Food, Drug, and
Cosmetic Act, which requires EPA to develop a screening program to
identify pesticide chemicals that may have effects on the endocrine
system. This provision was enacted in response to growing scientific
evidence that humans, domestic animals, and fish and wildlife species
have exhibited adverse health consequences from exposure to
environmental chemicals that interact with their endocrine systems.
EPA will require the use of validated assays to screen pesticides,
commercial chemicals and environmental contaminants in relation to
estrogen, androgen and thyroid hormones.
EPA also will hold a public meeting to discuss the draft policies
and procedures on Dec. 17, 2007, at its Crystal City facility in
Arlington, Va.
More information can be found at http://www.epa.gov/scipoly/oscpendo/pubs/regaspects/index.htm.