ESE was invited to speak at the Belgian EU Presidency event "Tomorrow's Chemicals Policy: Perspectives and Challenges" (23-24 April, Brussels) to share our perspectives on future policies and legislation needed to address Endocrine Disrupting Chemicals (EDCs). ESE was represented by Prof Robin Peeters (Erasmus MC, Netherlands) who last year also spoke at the event organised by ESE and our partners; The Gaps Between Science and Legislation - a High-Level Panel Discussion.
Robin once again gave a compelling presentation which outlined the effects of EDCs on human health with a focus on the thyroid gland. His presentation focused on neurological development, an area where the scientific evidence on the adverse effects of EDCs continues to accumulate.
In the scientific section of his presentation he effectively highlighted the broad concern within the European and global endocrine community around the continued presence of numerous harmful chemicals in our environment.
This was followed by a strong call for action, particularly around the publication of a revised REACH proposal which, despite pleas by the European Endocrine Community, civil society and many others, has still not been put forward by the European Commission.
In addition to pushing for new ambitious legislation, Robin stressed the need for more research and prevention measures to complement the legislative framework.
It is pivotal that we, the European and global endocrine community, continue to make our voice heard and convey examples from our research labs or clinics to European and national policy makers and the general public about the harmful effects of ECDs and keep pushing for the need for policy and legislative change.
26/04/2024