Chapter 18 - An Introduction to the Challenges for Risk Assessment of Endocrine Disrupting Chemicals

Abstract

This chapter outlines some of the principles on which regulation of endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) depends, and provides an introduction to the concepts of hazard, weight of evidence, and risk. Challenges for the regulation of chemicals which act through endocrine mechanisms are discussed. The value and limitations of different types of evidence for the assessment process and the approach of constructing adverse outcome pathways to identify key events and representative endpoints are described. Contributions to the regulatory processes by government, regulatory bodies (national and international), nongovernment organizations, the media, citizen responsibility, and the precautionary principle are outlined.