“A substance which alters the functions of the endocrine system and thereby induces adverse health effects in an organism”. This is the definition given by the World Health Organization (WHO) of an endocrine disruptor. These substances, present in many everyday products, are still poorly understood. However, the list of ailments for which they could be responsible is long: dysregulation of the hormonal system, fertility problems, alterations in growth or behavior, potential origin of certain cancers…
To better understand and better protect the population from these dangerous substances, the Minister of Health Agnès Buzyn and the Minister of the Environment François de Rugy announced this Monday, January 13 at a press conference in Bordeaux the opening of a major action plan for the period 2019-2022.
A “robust scientific” list by 2021
The thirteen key measures were drafted by the government with parliamentarians, monitoring and research bodies as well as environmental protection and consumer protection associations. But this national strategy will also be based on the suggestions of the French. They have until February 8 to submit their recommendations for public consultation.
The ultimate goal is to establish a “robust scientific” list of products at risk and the disturbances they cause. Thus the Health Security Agency (ANSES) will have to publish by 2021 the list of all endocrine disruptors, classified into three categories: “suspected”, “presumed”, “proven”.
Actions intended to inform and prevent
In 2019, a general public information site on chemicals, including endocrine disruptors, will also be launched to inform the public. He “will be kept by the Public Health Agency, and updated regularly, including instructions to follow. We will start with the most vulnerable populations, pregnant women, children, but gradually we will expand to all audiences., confirmed Minister Agnès Buzyn, quoted by nice morning. The following year, a campaign will also be responsible for exposing the risks to pregnant women, people of childbearing age and parents in particular.
Specific scientific research, to better understand the impacts of these substances on wildlife, biodiversity and human health will also be funded to the tune of 2 million euros in 2019. Finally, the ministers announced that health personnel would also be better educated on the subject.
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