Some substances known as endocrine disruptors (EDs) can alter the function(s) of the hormonal system and may cause adverse health effects in humans and wildlife.
EDs interfere with the hormones action and, in doing so, can produce adverse effects on the endocrine system responsible for communicating and linking the nervous system to bodily functions such as reproduction, immunity, metabolism and behavior.
The main evidence suggesting that exposure to chemicals can lead to disruption of endocrine function comes from changes observed in a certain number of wildlife species. In humans, it has been suggested that endocrine disruptors are responsible for the apparent increase in human endocrine-related diseases and disorders in recent decades.
At the European level, a group of experts on EDs has been set up which, after appropriate evaluation, has grouped together and compiled a continuously updated list of substances with such properties (https://echa.europa.eu/it/ed-assessment).
Under the Biocidal Products Regulation (BPR), criteria and models have been developed for the identification of endocrine disrupting properties that must be applied both in the evaluation of active substances and of all substances used in the formulation of biocidal products.
Biocidal products containing active substances with such properties cannot be approved, while biocidal products containing other substances with such properties can be approved but intended only for a target group of professional/industrial users.
The Biocides mastery division has internal professionals specialized in this type of assessment which is essential for the submission of any application for biocidal product authorization.
