Endocrine Disrupters

Since concerns regarding environmental oestrogens first hit the global headlines in the 1990s, scientific knowledge and regulatory activity has broadened to include other hormone targets such as androgens and thyroid hormones. Collectively termed endocrine disrupters (modulation), there is now a major international research effort underway to address the knowledge gaps and BEL is actively involved in the environmental research arena.

Collaborators: CEFIC LRI (EMSG), Bremen University (Germany) Brunel University (UK), Exeter University (UK), Kumamoto University (Japan), Manchester University (UK), Plymouth University (UK) and UK Environment Agency.

The BEED projects primary aim is to influence the OECD and otherinternational stakeholders who are developing new chronic test methods for reproductive and developmental health effects caused by endocrine disrupters. Second, the science investment also supports on-going environmental risk assessments for pharmaceuticals, agrochemicals, biocides and a range of other industrial chemicals. The project team have successfully developed a 14 day fish screen for oestrogens and anti-oestrogens and scientists are now working on higher-tier fish tests fordevelopmental and reproductive toxicity. Also a mode-of-action approach is being used to select appropriate invertebrate tests (using molluscs and crustaceans) supported by in vitro assays incorporating mammalian and insect hormone receptors. Equipped with state-of-the-art analytical chemistry, biodegradation and ecotoxicology research facilities, the Laboratory is studying the pathways of natural and synthetic endocrine disrupters into the environment and the consequences for wildlife health.

The endocrine disrupter research programme at BEL is putting environmental science to work in order to support safe chemicals and strengthen risk assessments. BEL scientists are active in communicating their results at international meetings, and contribute to international expert groups such as the OECD. BEL is keen to extend these links to other organisations and welcomes enquiries from potential research partners.

Download recent Research Bulletins:

Developing Biological Effect Measurement for Endocrine Disrupting Chemicals

Endocrine Disrupter Testing Using Invertebrates

Part of the BEL Research and Development programme.