Danish EPA new survey alerts for the risk of EDCs exposure of pregnant consumers

A recent survey from the Danish Environmental Protection Agency evaluated the daily exposure risks of women in the child-bearing age to a number of suspected endocrine disrupting substances. Consumer products, indoor environment and food were investigated with special focus on substances like phthalates, parabens, pesticides, bisphenol A and triclosan. Some major conclusions were drawn from this study.

First, most Danish pregnant women are expected to be exposed to a combination of the selected substances, but not at levels that give rise to concern. Second, some pregnant women can, due to their consumption and behaviour, be exposed to a combination of potential endocrine disruptors at levels that give rise to concern. Third, combined exposure must be taken into consideration when assessing the risk from exposure to endocrine disruptors. And fourth, for some pregnant women, there is a need to reduce exposure to potential endocrine disruptors from food, indoor environment and consumer products.

The document states that total avoidance of exposure to endocrine disruptors is unlikely to be possible, although limiting exposure is easily within reach. This study can serve not only to raise awareness of pregnant women and women wanting to become pregnant, and those who advise and care for them, but also to inform decisions taken by regulators and policymakers.

The “Exposure of pregnant consumers to suspected endocrine disruptors” PDF survey can be found here.