[Pharmwaste] EPA lists endocrine disruptors for study

[Tenace, Laurie]

http://www.upi.com/Science_News/2010/11/16/EPA-lists-endocrine-disruptors-for-study/UPI-81191289951549/

WASHINGTON, Nov. 16 (UPI) -- The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has listed 134 chemicals to be screened for their potential to disrupt the human endocrine system, officials said.

Endocrine disruptors are chemicals that interact with, and can possibly disrupt, the hormones produced or secreted by human or animal endocrine systems, which regulate growth, metabolism and reproduction, an agency release said Tuesday.

"Endocrine disruptors represent a serious health concern for the American people, especially children," EPA Administrator Lisa Jackson said.

"Americans today are exposed to more chemicals in our products, our environment and our bodies than ever before, and it is essential that EPA takes every step to gather information and prevent risks," she said.

The list includes chemicals that have been identified as priorities under the Safe Drinking Water Act and may be found in sources of drinking water where a substantial number of people may be exposed.

The chemicals listed include those used in products such as solvents, gasoline, plastics, personal care products, pesticides, and pharmaceuticals, including benzene, perchlorate, urethane, ethylene glycol, and erythromycin.

"We are using the best available science to examine a larger list of chemicals and ensure that they are not contaminating the water we drink and exposing adults and children to potential harm," Jackson said.


Laurie Tenace
Environmental Specialist
Waste Reduction Section
Florida Department of Environmental Protection
2600 Blair Stone Rd., MS 4555
Tallahassee FL 32399-2400
P: 850.245.8759
F: 850.245.8811
Laurie.Tenace at dep.state.fl.us

Mercury: http://www.dep.state.fl.us/waste/categories/mercury/default.htm

Batteries: http://www.dep.state.fl.us/waste/categories/batteries/default.htm

Pharmaceuticals:
http://www.dep.state.fl.us/waste/categories/medications/default.htm
To join the Pharmwaste listserve: http://lists.dep.state.fl.us/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/pharmwaste

Household Hazardous Waste:
http://www.dep.state.fl.us/waste/categories/hazardous/pages/household.htm





The Department of Environmental Protection values your feedback as a customer. DEP Secretary Mimi Drew is committed to continuously assessing and improving the level and quality of services provided to you. Please take a few minutes to comment on the quality of service you received. Copy the url below to a web browser to complete the DEP survey: http://survey.dep.state.fl.us/?refemail=Laurie.Tenace@dep.state.fl.us Thank you in advance for completing the survey.