As the science on endocrine disrupting chemicals in the environment has expanded, so have efforts to develop public policy to address the potential health implications of exposure to these chemicals. Over the past few years, numerous local, national, and international approaches have emerged from legislatures, regulatory agencies, industry, and public interest groups. Illustrations of recent policy activities raise questions of how to make public policy in the face of rapidly changing science, and scientific uncertainty. This topic serves as a powerful example of how public policy is made in the U.S., and internationally. Specific examples will focus on: (1) Progress on screening and testing chemicals for endocrine activity; (2) Progress on global elimination of persistent organic pollutants (POPs); and (3) Examples of specific known or suspected endocrine disruptors that have recently been subject to regulatory activity. The strengths and weakness of alternative public policy approaches will be weighed and contrasted. The examples of health policy on endocrine disruptors will provide context for a discussion of future, innovative directions in environmental health policy.
Learning Objectives: After this session, the learner will be able to: 1) Discuss the history of regulatory policy on endocrine disruptors in the U.S.; 2) Describe international efforts to test chemicals for endocrine activity; 3) Identify major policy decisions related to endocrine disruptors; 4) Understand the current scientific and policy barriers to policy change
Keywords: Endocrine, Environmental Health
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.