As the 2024-2029 EU policy cycle approaches, the EDC-Free Europe coalition is urging EU leaders to prioritise protecting people from the dangers of endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs). In a new statement, the coalition outlines key actions needed to ensure the EU regulatory framework reflects the latest science and tackles the urgent need to reduce—and ultimately eliminate—EDC exposure.
EDCs are chemicals that wreak havoc on human health and ecosystems by interfering with the normal function of natural hormones in our bodies and in wildlife. These chemicals, found in everyday products, have been linked to rising rates of cancers, diabetes, developmental disorders, and reproductive health issues.
In addition to a heavy health-burden, costs of EDC-related illnesses are high; estimated at €163 billion annually for Europe in 2016. This figure only accounts for a fraction of all EDC-related diseases, and only for a limited known number of EDCs, meaning the actual costs could be significantly higher.
To effectively protect health and environment against EDCs EU decision makers need to:
- Speed up identification of EDCs
- Accelerate regulation and phase-out of known and suspected EDCs
- Move towards an EDC-free circular economy and a non-toxic environment through better chemical transparency and traceability
- Enhance scientific knowledge of the health and environmental effects of exposure to EDCs
- Enhance public awareness of EDCs in line with EU’s work on protecting citizens’ health
- Bolster EU leadership in the international chemical governance
- Strengthen access to justice and accountability
The EDC-Free Europe coalition has outlined the essential steps to strengthen the European regulatory framework, ensuring robust protection for health and the environment from harmful EDCs. These priorities are also crucial for the EU ambition of building a clean, resilient, and competitive circular economy.
Read the EDC-Free Europe plan on how the EU can better protect people from health harming EDCs: ‘7 priorities to protect people and environment from harm caused by endocrine-disrupting chemicals’
Download a short version of the document here.
Download the infographic 'The EU must protect people's health and the environment against endocrine disrupting chemicals' in English, Spanish, German, Swedish, Italian, Danish, Portuguese or Dutch.
