Environmental endocrine disruption: an effects assessment and analysis.

This report is an overview of the current state of the science relative to environmental endocrine disruption in humans, laboratory testing, and wildlife species. Background information is presented on the field of endocrinology, the nature of hormones, and potential sites for endocrine disruption, with specific examples of chemicals affecting these sites. An attempt is made to present objectively the issue of endocrine disruption, consider working hypotheses, offer opposing viewpoints, analyze the available information, and provide a reasonable assessment of the problem. Emphasis is placed on disruption of central nervous system--pituitary integration of hormonal and sexual behavioral activity, female and male reproductive system development and function, and thyroid function. In addition, the potential role of environmental endocrine disruption in the induction of breast, testicular, and prostate cancers, as well as endometriosis, is evaluated. The interrelationship of the endocrine and immune system is documented. With respect to endocrine-related ecological effects, specific case examples from the peer-reviewed literature of marine invertebrates and representatives of the five classes of vertebrates are presented and discussed. The report identifies some data gaps in our understanding of the environmental endocrine disruption issue and recommends a few research needs. Finally, the report states the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Science Policy Council's interim position on endocrine disruption and lists some of the ongoing activities to deal with this matter.

Informed decisions about protecting and promoting public health: rationale for a National Human Exposure Assessment Survey.

Accurate and reliable exposure-related information is essential for informed decisions about protecting and promoting public health. The need for more and better data on population exposures to environmental chemicals is discussed, with emphasis on the justification for collecting baseline data on exposure distributions for the general population and for important population subgroups. A rationale is provided for undertaking exposure surveillance in the U.S. population by means of a National Human Exposure Assessment Survey (NHEXAS). The knowledge and understanding generated by NHEXAS will contribute to more informed and more credible decisions in three ways: (1) by establishing a core set of approaches, methods, and data that will significantly advance the field of exposure analysis; (2) by developing a strong and direct connection between science (exposure research and surveillance) and policy (decisions about assessment, management, and communication of health risks); and (3) by creating a connected group of researchers and regulators who share a mutual appreciation and understanding of the value of exposure surveillance for well-reasoned decisions.