scholarly journals Chemicals Denial—A Challenge to Science and Policy

2019 ◽  
Vol 11 (17) ◽  
pp. 4785 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mikael Karlsson
Keyword(s):  
Research Agenda ◽  
Endocrine Disrupting Chemicals ◽  
Goal Achievement ◽  
Policy Makers ◽  
Science And Policy ◽  
Scientific Exploration ◽  
Policy Goals ◽  
Endocrine Disrupting ◽  
Chemicals Policy ◽  
State Of The Environment

Much research shows that science denial regarding climate change is widespread and problematic for science and scientists, as well as for policy-makers. Climate denial delays goal achievement. As shown in this article, science denial commonly occurs also in the field of chemicals assessment and policy, but the research on the topic is scarce. The peer-reviewed studies that exist mostly concern a limited number of specific cases, such as DDT, CFCs and endocrine disrupting chemicals. The characteristics of ‘chemicals denial’ show similarity with those of climate denial, including reliance on fake experts, cherry-picked facts and attacks on scientists, with a key aspect being the questioning of causal relationships. Considering the gaps between chemicals policy goals and the state of the environment, further scientific exploration in the field is needed. Developing a better coordinated research agenda and a common terminology are therefore warranted strategies. A key concept in such endeavors could be ‘chemicals denial’.

scholarly journals Mind the gap: Coping with delay in environmental governance

AMBIO ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 49 (5) ◽  
pp. 1067-1075 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mikael Karlsson ◽  
Michael Gilek
Keyword(s):  
Climate Change ◽  
Environmental Governance ◽  
Biodiversity Loss ◽  
Goal Achievement ◽  
Science And Policy ◽  
Policy Review ◽  
Policy Goals ◽  
State Of The Environment ◽  
New Framework

Abstract Gaps between public policy goals and the state of the environment are often significant. However, while goal failures in environmental governance are studied in a number of disciplines, the knowledge on the various causes behind delayed goal achievement is still incomplete. In this article we propose a new framework for analysis of delay mechanisms in science and policy, with the intention to provide a complementary lens for describing, analysing and counteracting delay in environmental governance. The framework is based on case-study findings from recent research focusing on goal-failures in policies for climate change, hazardous chemicals, biodiversity loss and eutrophication. It is also related to previous research on science and policy processes and their interactions. We exemplify the framework with two delay mechanisms that we consider particularly important to highlight—denial of science and decision thresholds. We call for further research in the field, for development of the framework, and not least for increased attention to delay mechanisms in environmental policy review and development on national as well as international levels.

scholarly journals A restatement of the natural science evidence base on the effects of endocrine disrupting chemicals on wildlife

2019 ◽  
Vol 286 (1897) ◽  
pp. 20182416 ◽  
Author(s):  
H. Charles J. Godfray ◽  
Andrea E. A. Stephens ◽  
Paul D. Jepson ◽  
Susan Jobling ◽  
Andrew C. Johnson ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Adverse Effects ◽  
Natural Science ◽  
Endocrine Disrupting Chemicals ◽  
Endocrine System ◽  
Evidence Base ◽  
Policy Makers ◽  
Potential Harm ◽  
Endocrine Disrupting ◽  
Wildlife Populations ◽  
Science Evidence

Endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) are substances that alter the function of the endocrine system and consequently cause adverse effects to humans or wildlife. The release of particular EDCs into the environment has been shown to negatively affect certain wildlife populations and has led to restrictions on the use of some EDCs. Current chemical regulations aim to balance the industrial, agricultural and/or pharmaceutical benefits of using these substances with their demonstrated or potential harm to human health or the environment. A summary is provided of the natural science evidence base informing the regulation of chemicals released into the environment that may have endocrine disrupting effects on wildlife. This summary is in a format (a ‘restatement’) intended to be policy-neutral and accessible to informed, but not expert, policy-makers and stakeholders.

scholarly journals Obesogens in Children—An Uncharted Territory

Metabolites ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (12) ◽  
pp. 882
Author(s):  
Mirjam Močnik ◽  
Nataša Marčun Varda
Keyword(s):  
Endocrine Disrupting Chemicals ◽  
Mutual Effect ◽  
Chemical Exposure ◽  
Mechanisms Of Action ◽  
Policy Makers ◽  
Current Opinion ◽  
Organochlorinated Pesticides ◽  
Endocrine Disrupting ◽  
Perfluorinated Alkyl Substances ◽  
Existing Data

Obesogens are exogenous chemicals belonging to the group of endocrine-disrupting chemicals and are believed to interfere in obesity development. In children, several chemicals are under investigation, most commonly bisphenol A, phthalates, perfluorinated alkyl substances, and persistent organic pollutants, including organochlorinated pesticides, tributyltin, polychlorinated biphenyls and dioxins. Several associations have been studied between chemical exposure in utero and postnatally. Current opinion among researchers indicates that the obesogen theory is very likely; however, limited published studies show inconsistent support for the obesogenic effects of most substances in children and are limited by difficulty in providing the exact mechanisms of action, nor is their mutual effect in humans known, let alone in children. Existing data indicate that we have only scratched the surface and have much more to learn about obesogens. Hopefully, in the future, more information will provide an opportunity for policy makers to take action and protect public health.

scholarly journals Introduction to the science and regulation concerning endocrine disrupting chemicals: the challenges ahead

2016 ◽  
Author(s):  
Annegaaike Leopold ◽  
Glen Van Der Kraak ◽  
Mary K. Manibusan ◽  
Niklas Andersson ◽  
James R. Wheeler
Keyword(s):  
Endocrine Disruption ◽  
Screening Program ◽  
Endocrine Disrupting Chemicals ◽  
Current Status ◽  
The European Union ◽  
Endocrine Disrupting Chemical ◽  
Science And Policy ◽  
Advisory Groups ◽  
Endocrine Disrupting ◽  
Multi Stakeholder

Presentations in session one of the Society of Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry (SETAC) North America Focused Topic Meeting: Endocrine Disruption (February 4 – 6, 2014) described where the science and the regulations have arrived and identified the key challenges that lie ahead. The first presentation gave an overview of where the endocrine disrupting chemical (EDC) issue currently stands in terms of science and policy. It introduced the significant debate about whether suspected EDCs should be evaluated using a hazard-based or a risk-based approach. Subsequent presentations provided a synopsis of the US-EPA Endocrine Disruption Screening Program (EDSP), including a description of the legislative origins of the program, its risk-based nature, its evolution and its future through the input of multi-stakeholder advisory groups. A presentation was given about the current status of potential regulatory activities in the European Union (EU) relative to EDCs and the fact that it is a highly political subject in Europe was highlighted. Finally an EU- industry perspective was given on the repercussions of hazard versus risk-based approaches for EDCs. Both European speakers noted that the regulatory situation in the EU is not set and that at present it is not possible to predict exactly how EDCs will be addressed.

scholarly journals Introduction to the science and regulation concerning endocrine disrupting chemicals: the challenges ahead

2016 ◽  
Author(s):  
Annegaaike Leopold ◽  
Glen Van Der Kraak ◽  
Mary K. Manibusan ◽  
Niklas Andersson ◽  
James R. Wheeler
Keyword(s):  
Endocrine Disruption ◽  
Screening Program ◽  
Endocrine Disrupting Chemicals ◽  
Current Status ◽  
The European Union ◽  
Endocrine Disrupting Chemical ◽  
Science And Policy ◽  
Advisory Groups ◽  
Endocrine Disrupting ◽  
Multi Stakeholder

Presentations in session one of the Society of Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry (SETAC) North America Focused Topic Meeting: Endocrine Disruption (February 4 – 6, 2014) described where the science and the regulations have arrived and identified the key challenges that lie ahead. The first presentation gave an overview of where the endocrine disrupting chemical (EDC) issue currently stands in terms of science and policy. It introduced the significant debate about whether suspected EDCs should be evaluated using a hazard-based or a risk-based approach. Subsequent presentations provided a synopsis of the US-EPA Endocrine Disruption Screening Program (EDSP), including a description of the legislative origins of the program, its risk-based nature, its evolution and its future through the input of multi-stakeholder advisory groups. A presentation was given about the current status of potential regulatory activities in the European Union (EU) relative to EDCs and the fact that it is a highly political subject in Europe was highlighted. Finally an EU- industry perspective was given on the repercussions of hazard versus risk-based approaches for EDCs. Both European speakers noted that the regulatory situation in the EU is not set and that at present it is not possible to predict exactly how EDCs will be addressed.

Endocrine-Disrupting Chemicals and Child Health

2021 ◽  
Vol 62 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Akhgar Ghassabian ◽  
Laura Vandenberg ◽  
Kurunthachalam Kannan ◽  
Leonardo Trasande
Keyword(s):  
Child Health ◽  
Endocrine Disrupting Chemicals ◽  
Epidemiological Studies ◽  
Annual Review ◽  
Publication Date ◽  
Fetal Life ◽  
Policy Makers ◽  
Policy Practice ◽  
Endocrine Disrupting ◽  
Child Health Research

While definitions vary, endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) have two fundamental features: their disruption of hormone function and their contribution to disease and disability. The unique vulnerability of children to low-level EDC exposures has eroded the notion that only the dose makes the thing a poison, requiring a paradigm shift in scientific and policy practice. In this review, we discuss the unique vulnerability of children as early as fetal life and provide an overview of epidemiological studies on programming effects of EDCs on neuronal, metabolic, and immune pathways as well as on endocrine, reproductive, and renal systems. Building on this accumulating evidence, we dispel and address existing myths about the health effects of EDCs with examples from child health research. Finally, we provide a list of effective actions to reduce exposure, and subsequent harm that are applicable to individuals, communities, and policy-makers. Expected final online publication date for the Annual Review of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Volume 62 is January 2022. Please see http://www.annualreviews.org/page/journal/pubdates for revised estimates.

Effect of Polyphosphate on Removal of Endocrine-Disrupting Chemicals of Nonylphenol and Bisphenol-A by Activated Carbons

2005 ◽  
Vol 40 (4) ◽  
pp. 484-490 ◽  
Author(s):  
Keun J. Choi ◽  
Sang G. Kim ◽  
Chang W. Kim ◽  
Seung H. Kim
Keyword(s):  
Activated Carbon ◽  
Bisphenol A ◽  
Surface Charge ◽  
Activated Carbons ◽  
Endocrine Disrupting Chemicals ◽  
Dipole Interaction ◽  
High Affinity ◽  
Calcium Polyphosphate ◽  
Endocrine Disrupting ◽  
Positively Charged

Abstract This study examined the effect of polyphosphate on removal of endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) such as nonylphenol and bisphenol-A by activated carbons. It was found that polyphosphate aided in the removal of nonylphenol and bisphenol- A. Polyphosphate reacted with nonylphenol, likely through dipole-dipole interaction, which then improved the nonylphenol removal. Calcium interfered with this reaction by causing competition. It was found that polyphosphate could accumulate on carbon while treating a river. The accumulated polyphosphate then aided nonylphenol removal. The extent of accumulation was dependent on the type of carbon. The accumulation occurred more extensively with the wood-based used carbon than with the coal-based used carbon due to the surface charge of the carbon. The negatively charged wood-based carbon attracted the positively charged calcium-polyphosphate complex more strongly than the uncharged coal-based carbon. The polyphosphate-coated activated carbon was also effective in nonylphenol removal. The effect was different depending on the type of carbon. Polyphosphate readily attached onto the wood-based carbon due to its high affinity for polyphosphate. The attached polyphosphate then improved the nonylphenol removal. However, the coating failed to attach polyphosphate onto the coal-based carbon. The nonylphenol removal performance of the coal-based carbon remained unchanged after the polyphosphate coating.

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