Does EPA require testing of chemicals for endocrine effects?
EPA routinely screens new industrial chemicals prior to their introduction into commerce and seeks to control any, including suspected hormonal disruptors, which may pose an unreasonable risk to human health and the environment. New pesticides are routinely tested in animals for effects on reproduction, fertility, and the developing fetus before they are approved for use. Older pesticides are tested as part of EPA’s ongoing re-registration program, a comprehensive reevaluation of all pesticides first approved before 1984. The growth and development of offspring are also evaluated, including an assessment of birth defects or other abnormalities. Although these tests are not specifically designed to identify endocrine disruption, they can detect certain reproductive and developmental effects which may result from endocrine disruption. EPA’s Office of Prevention, Pesticides, and Toxic Substances has recently proposed revised testing guidelines for evaluating the developmental and reproduc
