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RESEARCH PLAN FOR ENDOCRINE DISRUPTORS (DRAFT)
Description:
This research strategy was developed to provide a roadmap for the EPA Office of Research and Developments program on endocrine disruptors. It was developed by a team of scientists representing all of ORDs National Laboratories and Centers and is intended to provide guidance to both the intramural research program and the extramural grants program in terms of research priorities and the pacing of the research programs over the next five years (e.g., the need for risk management activities is recognized, but efforts are not scheduled to begin in earnest for several years as we strive to better comprehend the extent, magnitude, and sources of the biological effects). The plan recognizes that there is a great deal of research in this area being funded by the federal government and seeks to emphasize those areas where EPA can make a substantive and meaningful contribution. The plan has been circulated through the CENR (Committee on the Environment and National Resources) Working Group on Endocrine Disruptors that is coordinating efforts across the federal government. Briefly, the plan addresses research needs in the areas of biological effects (both for human health and wildlife) and exposure assessment. Importantly, it also contains a linkage section that strives to integrate effects and exposure research to provide a more complete analysis of the risks than has generally been done in the past for endocrine disruptors. It is the intent of this strategy that specific projects will be chosen for funding following peer review of proposals submitted under targeted RFAs during each budget year. These RFAs will be based on the overall strategy, and fine tuned each year to ensure the appropriate balance and mix of research given progress achieved in prior years. With its risk assessment based organizational structure, ORD is in a unique position to provide national leadership in this important public health issue.