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ENVIRONMENTAL ENGINEERING AND ENDOCRINE DISRUPTING CHEMICALS
Citation:
Sayles*, G D. ENVIRONMENTAL ENGINEERING AND ENDOCRINE DISRUPTING CHEMICALS. Arnold, R.G. (ed.), CHEMICAL & ENGINEERING DATA. American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE), Reston, VA, 128(1):1-2, (2002).
Description:
Endocrine disruptors are a class of chemicals of growing interest to the environmental community. USEPA's Risk Assessment Forum defined an endocrine disrupting chemical (EDC) as "an exogenous agent that interferes with the synthesis, secretion, transport, binding, action, or elimination of natural hormones in the body that are responsible for the maintenance of homeostasis, reproduction, development and/or behavior". Most of us are more familiar with chemicals of concern that have a specific health outcome such as lung cancer. However, EDCs are a class of chemicals defined by their mode of action that can result in a variety of health outcomes. Gaining thorough understanding of the endocrine-related effects of chemicals on humans and wildlife is the goal of much domestic and international research. Our role as research and development envirnomental engineers is to provide engineering information to stakeholders so that decisions on the application of risk management tools or processes can be made with minimal uncertainty. The input we can provide regarding EDCs includes: 1) identification of currently available tools that can be adapted to lower exposure of humans and wildlife to EDCs, and 2) development of new approaches to reduce exposure if adequate tools are not readily availble. EPA has planned and initiated a research program on risk management of EDCs. This program includes the development of risk management tools and processes to reduce EDC exposure from concentrated animal feed operations, drinking water sources, sewage treatment plant discharge, and combustion sources. EPA is also working to develop predictive models that will identify endocrine disrupting characteristics of new or proposed chemicals and suggest alternatives.