EPA Launches Website for Endocrine Disruptor Screening Program

[ttweed@wildrockies.org (Tony Tweedale)]

Office of Pesticide Programs
Communications Services Branch

Phone: 703-305-5017     Fax: 703-305-5558
                                   October 15, 1999

        EPA Launches Website for  Endocrine Disruptor Screening Program

     On October 13, EPA?s Office of Science Coordination and Policy launched the
web site for EPA?s Endocrine Disruptor Screening Program (EDSP).  The web
address is  http://www.epa.gov/scipoly/oscpendo/index.htm.  The EDSP web site
presents a discussion of the endocrine system and how certain chemicals can
affect it, and an overview of the proposed screening program, with links to
detailed sections on each program element.  The web site incorporates the
historical background information gathered during the Endocrine Disruptor
Screening and Testing Advisory Committee process, as well as information on
current program activities, including the status of test standardization and
validation activities, priority setting database development, and automated high
throughput technology development.

     In recent years, some scientists have proposed that chemicals in the
environment might be disrupting the endocrine system (glands and hormones) of
humans and wildlife. The endocrine system regulates a wide range of biological
processes, such as control of blood sugar, and growth and function of the
reproductive system. The Endocrine Disruptor Screening Program focuses on
providing methods and  procedures to detect and characterize endocrine activity
of pesticides, commercial  chemicals, and environmental contaminants.
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