Strategies for Assessment of Endocrine Disrupters

Endocrine disruption is a relatively new concept in risk assessment, and there are currently no test methods available, which specifically detect all effects that have been finked to the endocrine disruption mechanism(s) and mode(s) of action. 

With respect to endocrine dismption, the two-generation study (OECD TG 416, US-EPA OPPTS 870.3800, EU Annex V B.35) is currently the most complete study available. Both in this study and in the developmental toxicity study (OECD TG 414, US-EPA OPPTS 870.3700, EU Annex V B.31), additional endocrine-sensitive parameters may be studied on a case-by-case basis when endocrine disruption is an issue of concern. 

Test methods specifically directed toward endocrine dismpting endpoints are still in the phase of being standardized and validated. Many in vivo and in vitro tests have been proposed for screening, and strategies for assessment of endocrine dismpters have been proposed by the WHO, OECD, US-EPA, and EU, see below. 

Many of the proposed toxicity tests have been criticized for nonspecificity and lack of reproducibility. Concern has also been raised about their relevance for generating useful data for hazard and risk assessment purposes. The diversity of the possible modes of action (e.g., receptor binding. 

Toxicological Risk Assessments of Chemicals A Practical Guide 

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