| Author (Corporate) | European Commission |
|---|---|
| Series Title | COM |
| Series Details | (2016) 350 final (15.6.16) |
| Publication Date | 15/06/2016 |
| Content Type | Policy-making, Report |
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Endocrine-disrupting chemical substances ("endocrine disruptors") are substances that alter the functions of the hormonal system and consequently cause adverse effects. As awareness of endocrine disruptors grew, so did public and political interest. The Commission responded with a "Strategy for endocrine disruptors" in 1999. This set out a number of actions at EU level, with the short-term (research and international cooperation), mid-term (test methods) and long-term (regulatory) steps to take with the overall goal of minimising exposure. In the specific areas of biocides and plant protection products the legislation determines the regulatory consequences for endocrine disruptors. It also requires the Commission to determine how the criteria for endocrine disruptors should be defined, by drawing up acts "specifying scientific criteria for the determination of endocrine-disrupting properties". Plant protection products protect plants against harmful organisms (examples are herbicides or insecticides used in agriculture). Biocides contain and control harmful organisms (examples are disinfectants used in hospitals). The Commission has devoted particular attention to the task of developing criteria for these two areas. The result is reflected in two draft measures which will now be the subject of the established procedures with (experts from) Member States and other EU institutions, before final adoption by the Commission. Though different procedures apply to the two measures, the Commission's examination of the issues has covered both areas and they will be taken forward in parallel. This Communication sets out the science-based decisions underlying the two draft measures, and is accompanied by an impact assessment which presents the state of the science regarding different criteria to identify endocrine disruptors. In addition, it provides information on the possible consequences. The impact assessment is based on a preliminary screening of active substances approved for plant protection products and biocides for which information was available at EU level. It does not therefore constitute an evaluation of individual substances under the respective legislation (the Regulations covering plant protection products and biocidal products). This Communication sets out the issues on which the Commission has reached a conclusion and puts these in the broader context, while also stressing that parts of the debate are not directly relevant to the Commission's specific task of determining criteria to establish what is and what is not an endocrine disruptor. It sets out the implications of the setting of the criteria in the domains of plant protection products and biocides and for other parts of the EU regulatory framework and recalls the other Commission actions on endocrine disruptors which are ongoing or pending. |
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| Source Link | http://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=COM:2016:350:FIN |
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| Subject Categories | Business and Industry |
| Countries / Regions | Europe |
