EPA lists 134 chemicals to be tested

ERJ staff report (TB)

Washington DC -- The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has listed 134 chemicals it will screen for their potential to disrupt endocrine systems in humans and animals.

The chemicals identified by the agency include substances used to make solvents, gasoline, plastics, personal care products, pesticides and pharmaceuticals.

Since the 1990s, scientists have suspected that certain chemicals may act as endocrine disruptors in humans and wildlife, according to a page on the EPA website. Endocrine disruptors can cause developmental and reproductive problems, the agency said.

This represents the second step in a three-step approach the EPA is following toward identifying possible endocrine disruptors, the agency website said. The first step is to develop and validate tests, the second to select chemicals for testing and screening, and the third to implement the policies and procedures the EPA will use to require screening, it said.

The Automotive Service Association (ASA) has posted information on the endocrine disruptor screening program and a link to the EPA web page on the ASA's legislative website.

From Tire Business (A Crain publication)

Endocrine Disruptor Screening Program page from EPA