Methods of Identifying EDs

Many different test systems have been used to investigate the ability of chemicals to interact with components of the endocrine system. The usefulness and applicability of the available methods has been the subject of much debate. Four key texts are particularly helpful in reviewing and giving guidance on currently available test methods and strategies for testing EDs.  

SETAC-Europe/OECD/EC, Expert Workshop on Endocrine Modulators and Wildlife Assessment and Testing, SETAC-Europe, Brussels, 1997. 

ECETOC, Document No. 33 Environmental Oestrogens A C/ mpendinm of Test Methods, ECETOC, Brussels, 1996. 

There is a broad international consensus on the general strategy for detecting EDs, although there are at present no internationally agreed standardized test methods. The overall approach can be summed up as follows  

The main conclusion of an expert workshop on endocrine modulators and wildlife in 1997 was that some existing test methods, as defined in guidelines published by the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD), could be adapted to incorporate specific endocrine disrupting endpoints, but that there might also be the need to develop new tests, e.g. for fish. On behalf of the UK Government, the MRC Institute for Environment and Health (lEH) 

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