Background
The potential health impact of the exposure of humans and the natural habitat to endocrine active chemicals are of concern to industry and regulators worldwide. In the EU, criteria are put forward that foresee discrimination of endocrine active substances, i.e. a substance without adverse effects, and endocrine disruptors, i.e. a substance that potentially lead to adverse effects, on the basis of epidemiological evidence and stringent chemicals management is foreseen for the later.
A recent report commissioned by the EU Directorate General on the 'State of the Art Assessment of Endocrine Disruptors' [Kortenkamp et al. 2011] plays a pinnacle role in this discussion. The report bases relevant conclusion on epidemiology studies. Unfortunately, the report lacks the description of a systematic evaluation of the quality and reliability of the studies used in the assessment.
Objectives
The project's objective is to develop a systematic evaluation scheme to assess the quality and reliability of the epidemiological evidence for endocrine active substances to exert adverse effects based on an endocrine mode of action. This scheme is then to be applied to studies and substances discussed in relevant international publications like 'State of the Art Assessment of Endocrine Disruptors' [Kortenkamp et al. 2011] and the 'State of the science of endocrine disrupting chemicals' [Bergman et al, 2013].
Based on this assessment the project should also make suggestions on how to use evidence from epidemiological studies in a weight of evidence assessment of endocrine mediated adverse effects from the exposure to chemicals.
Scope
Conduct a systematic review of the quality of epidemiology studies on adverse health effects from exposure to endocrine disruptors in the human environment.
Related links
Download here the full version of the RfP LRI-EMSG58.
