1999/2/12

The development of tests to identify potential endocrine disrupting substances took a major step forward at an OECD Expert Meeting in Tokyo this week, with test protocols and arrangements for validation being agreed.

Endocrine disrupters are chemicals, which can mimic the action of sex hormones in the body and therefore have the potential to disrupt hormonal activity in humans and animals. In order to find out which of the chemicals on the market today and used in a wide range of products can have such potential effects, a number of test methods need to be developed.

Tests for identifying chemicals which interact with sex hormones have been used by research laboratories, e.g., to test pharmaceuticals, however a large number of chemicals, some commonly available, have yet to be screened.

Experts from OECD Member countries, industry and environmental NGOs agreed upon three test methods, which will contribute to the screening of chemicals for endocrine related effects. These test methods include two which detect the ability of a chemical to enhance or modify naturally occurring female and male sex hormones (Uterotrophic and Hershberger assays). The third method aims to adapt an existing OECD Test Guideline already used widely in OECD Member countries for repeat dose toxicity tests.

The validity of the proposed tests will now be studied in a number of laboratories in North America, Japan, and Europe. The Japanese Ministry of Health and Welfare will continue to take a leading role in the validation of the Uterotrophic assay. The European Chemical Industry will take the lead on the further development of the existing OECD Test Guideline.

Adoption of harmonised test methods will enable OECD Member countries to share the results of their testing and so avoid duplicative testing and creation of non-tariff barriers to trade.

These test methods are part of the work of the OECD Environmental Health and Safety Programme to assist OECD Member countries in developing harmonised and high quality instruments for the protection of human health and the environment.

For further information, please contact: Lesley Onyon, Environmental Health and Safety Division, OECD, Paris, Tel 33 1 45 24 9849, Fax 33 1 45 24 1675, e-mail Lesley.Onyon@oecd.org