In the upcoming EU mandate 2024-2029 it is of utmost importance to address the harm that endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) pose on the health of humans and wildlife. The EDC-Free Europe Coalition held a high-level briefing for Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) on 6 November 2024, presenting policy recommendations to address the health challenges posed by EDCs.
The event, co-hosted by MEP Martin Hojsik from the Renew Group, featured speakers including MEP Alessandra Moretti from the S&D Group, Génon Jensen, Executive Director of the Health and Environment Alliance (HEAL), and Professor Majorie van Duursen from Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam. The discussion centered on how and why European policies should address EDCs. During the event the EDC-Free Europe coalition shared their new recommendations: ‘7 priorities to protect people and environment from harm caused by endocrine-disrupting chemicals’.
Génon Jensen Executive Director of HEAL opened the event with a reminder of the spread of exposure: “Human biomonitoring conducted in Europe shows that we all are exposed to a cocktail of chemicals, including EDCs, which can have negative effects on our health even at low doses. It is hard to avoid exposure to EDCs individually, which is why it is important to have effective EU regulations.”
The need to transition away from the use of EDCs is urgent as they place a substantial health and economic burden on Europe. EDCs disrupt vital hormone function, and are linked to various types of cancer, diabetes, developmental disorders, and reproductive health issues. Health-related costs from known EDCs are estimated to be at least €163 billion annually as of 2016.