Major medical and scientific societies recognize the harmful effects of endocrine-disrupting chemicals and work towards precautionary policy

A major medical and scientific society, the Endocrine Society, has released a Scientific Statement on Endocrine-Disrupting Chemicals. The Society, a renowned body devoted to research on hormones and the clinical practice of endocrinology, states that chemicals can have endocrine-disrupting effects, and that effects vary based on age when exposed, exposure to mixtures, latency of chemicals, and other factors. In particular, they note that the research regarding adverse reproductive effects is “strong,” and that there is growing evidence for assorted other endocrine system effects as well. The Endocrine Society recommends using the precautionary principle to inform how exposure to endocrine disruptors and potential endocrine disruptors is regulated.

The American Medical Association (AMA), in response to the Endocrine Society’s Statement, has passed a resolution in support of the AMA working with the US government to develop policies that decrease exposure to endocrine-disrupting chemicals. They are particularly committed to regulation that centralises oversight of endocrine-disrupting chemicals, that considers low-level exposures, and that involves scientists from multiple relevant specialties in the policy-crafting process.

These two initiatives broaden the base of institutional support for precautionary policies regulating the use of endocrine-disrupting chemicals, and are a significant call for action on endocrine disruptors.