E.P.A. To Begin Testing Pesticides for Endocrine Disruption

(Washington, D.C. - April 15, 2009) E.P.A. has issued the 1st list of pesticides to be screened for possibly disrupting the endocrine system. Endocrine disruptors are chemicals that interact with and possibly disrupt the hormones produced or secreted by the human or animal endocrine system, which regulates growth, metabolism and reproduction.

"Endocrine disruptors can cause lifelong health problems -- especially for children," said E.P.A. Administrator Lisa P. Jackson. "Gathering this information will help us work with communities and industry to protect Americans from harmful exposure."

E.P.A. will issue test orders to the manufacturers of 67 pesticide chemicals this summer to determine whether their chemicals may disrupt the endocrine systems (estrogen, androgen and thyroid). Testing, conducted through the Endocrine Disruptor Screening Plan (EDSP), will eventually be expanded to cover all pesticide chemicals.

The list was developed on the basis of exposure potential and should not be construed as a list of known or likely endocrine disruptors. The listed pesticide chemicals were selected because there is high potential for human exposure through food and water, residential activity, or agricultural pesticide application.

Also being announced today are revised policies and procedures that E.P.A. will follow to order testing, minimize duplicative testing, promote equitable cost-sharing, and protect manufacturers' confidential business information.

More information on endocrine disruptors: www.epa.gov/scipoly/oscpendo

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