Comments sought: endocrine disruptor screening program draft procedures

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is calling for comments about draft policies and procedures for the initial screening of pesticide chemicals under the agency`s Endocrine Disruptor Screening Program (EDSP). The comments should focus on the specific policies and related procedures that EPA will follow to impose data requirements, minimize duplicate testing, promote equitable cost-sharing, and protect confidential business information.

The EDSP was established in response to the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act, which requires EPA to develop a screening program to identify pesticide chemicals that may have effects on the endocrine system. This provision was enacted in response to growing scientific evidence that humans, domestic animals, and fish and wildlife species have exhibited adverse health consequences from exposure to environmental chemicals that interact with their endocrine systems.

EPA will require the use of validated assays to screen pesticides, commercial chemicals, and environmental contaminants in relation to estrogen, androgen, and thyroid hormones.

EPA will also be holding a public meeting to discuss the draft policies and procedures on Monday, Dec. 17, 2007 at its Crystal City facility in Arlington, Va.