Talk:Endocrine disrupting compounds in the coastal environment

Job Dronkers May 2026:

Although the article is scientifically sound, it does not reflect more recent evidence on the wide-ranging effects of endocrine disrupting chemicals. An authoritative overview is provided in the WHO report State of the Science of Endocrine Disrupting Chemicals 2012, edited by Åke Bergman, Jerrold J. Heindel, Susan Jobling, Karen A. Kidd and R. Thomas Zoeller: https://iris.who.int/bitstream/handle/10665/78101/9789241505031_eng.pdf

This report and subsequent studies provide strong evidence that endocrine disrupting compounds (EDCs) can interfere with hormonal systems, supported by laboratory research and clear causal links in wildlife populations. More recent insights include expanded links to metabolic, cardiovascular and immune diseases, recognition of effects at very low doses, the importance of mixture effects, and the identification of new classes of substances such as PFAS.

For human health, however, the evidence remains less definitive and is largely based on epidemiological associations and mechanistic understanding rather than unequivocal causal proof. Nevertheless, given the potential for significant and irreversible harm, waiting for full proof may delay necessary action.

For this reason, the current body of evidence is widely considered sufficient to justify concern and the application of precautionary measures. This approach is consistent with the precautionary principle, which supports risk management in the presence of scientifically plausible but uncertain risks.