1. State of the Science of Endocrine Disrupting Chemicals – 2012
UNEP and WHO
published in February, 2013
From ”Global Assement of EDCs” published 2002
to …
Åke Bergman (coordinator of the 2012 document)
Swedish toxicology sciences research center

2. What is “Endocrine Disruption”?
It is a change to the normal function of endocrine glands and hormone action, in any living species, imposed by external (anthropogenic) stressors.
Endocrine disruptors, are chemicals designed for a specific function…with a side effect of altering the function of the endocrine system.
UNEP/WHO 2013 EDC report
Bergman, Geneva May 5, 2015

3. Drivers for an update of the ”Global Assement of EDCs” from 2002
It has been a decade since the global IPCS assessment was published
Important to take stock in new findings
Identify Key Concerns
Identify Future Needs
In recognition of human health and biodiversity
Improving the global knowledge regarding EDCs (SAICM), for improved risk reductions
UNEP/WHO 2013 EDC report
Bergman, Geneva May 5, 2015

4. Major changes re. endocrine disruption since 2002
Many more chemicals with ED effects, many more potential EDCs
Many more hormones than yet addressed in research
Mixture effects addressed
”New” exposure routes
Windows of exposure – Effects during development or manifested later in life; transgenerational effects
Low dose effects discussed
Non-monotonic dose response
Increasing biodiversity threats
UNEP/WHO 2013 EDC report
Bergman, Geneva May 5, 2015

5. Strength of evidence
Effects can be explained by endocrine mode of actions (mechanisms)
The identification of chemicals with endocrine disrupting properties linked to disease outcomes in laboratory studies
Observations of endocrine-related effects in wildlife populations
The rate of incidence of many endocrine-related diseases or disorders in humans
UNEP/WHO 2013 EDC report
Bergman, Geneva May 5, 2015

6. Endocrine disruption is associated with:
female reproductive health
male reproductive health
sex ratio in humans
thyroid related disorders and diseases
neurodevelopment in children and wildlife
hormone related cancers
adrenal disorders in humans and wildlife
immune function, immune diseases and disorders
metabolic disorders
wildlife population sustainability loss
UNEP/WHO 2013 EDC report
Bergman, Geneva May 5, 2015

7. EDCs and female reproductive health
DES – the most well-known chemical affecting female reproductve health
Downward trends in the age at breast development in girls from Europe to substantiate USA data.
Increasing experimental evidence that chemicals can interfere with endocrine signaling of:
Pubertal timing
Fecundity
Fertility
Menopause.
Evidence linking phthalate exposure to endometriosis
UNEP/WHO 2013 EDC report
Bergman, Geneva May 5, 2015

8. Key concerns
The high incidence and the increasing trends of many endocrine-related disorders in humans;
Observations of endocrine-related effects in wildlife populations;
The identification of chemicals with endocrine disrupting properties linked to disease outcomes in laboratory studies;
Increased numbers of chemicals with endocrine disrupting properties (beyond E,A,T) along with new sites of action;
Increased body burden across the globe;
Disease risk likely underestimated;
Lack of knowledge of sources;
Inadequate testing.
UNEP/WHO 2013 EDC report
Bergman, Geneva May 5, 2015

9. Key Concerns
Three strands of evidence fuel concerns over endocrine disruptors:
the high incidence and the increasing trends of many endocrine-related disorders in humans;
observations of endocrine-related effects in wildlife populations;
the identification of chemicals with endocrine disrupting properties linked to disease outcomes in laboratory studies.
Disease risk due to EDCs may be significantly underestimated.
UNEP/WHO 2013 EDC report
Bergman, Geneva May 5, 2015

10. Key Concern The speed with which the increases in disease incidence
have occurred in recent decades rules out genetic
factors as the sole plausible explanation.
Environmental and other non-genetic factors, including nutrition, age of mother, viral diseases and chemical exposures, are also at play, but are difficult to identify. Despite these difficulties, some associations have become apparent.
143'000 substances were pre-registered, indicating an actual use of theses substances. But since many exemptions apply, far from all substances must be registered resulting in a much larger number of substances we are actually exposed to. And if one take into consideration degradation products, unintentionally produced substances and metabolites, the figure might actually reach one million or more
UNEP/WHO 2013 EDC report
Bergman, Geneva May 5, 2015

11. Two main messages on ”Exposure to Chemicals”
EDCs & potential EDCs are everywhere - EDCs are chemically diverse, primarily include human-made chemicals, and are used in a wide range of materials and goods. EDCs are present in food, nature and human beings. They can also be formed in the environment and in humans, wildlife and plants.
Increasing number of EDCs & potential EDCs – Unlike ten years ago, it is better understood that humans and wildlife are exposed to far more EDCs than just persistent organic pollutants (POPs). However, only a fraction of the potential EDCs in the environment are currently understood.
UNEP/WHO 2013 EDC report
Bergman, Geneva May 5, 2015

12. Future needs Strengthening knowledge of EDCs Improved testing for EDCs
Identifying EDCs
Reducing exposures and thereby vulnerability to disease
Creating enabeling environments for scientific advances, innovation and disease prevention
Methods for evaluating evidence
UNEP/WHO 2013 EDC report
Bergman, Geneva May 5, 2015

13. Thank you
Ake Bergman
Executive Director
Professor, PhD
Postal address: Forskargatan 20, SE Södertälje, Sweden
Phone
Web: