Endocrine disruption - what does it mean?

The European Union is currently drawing up scientific criteria to regulate so-called "endocrine disruptors". However, these substances are often confused in media reports with substances that interact with the endocrine system but have no adverse affect on health. This leads to confusion over health and safety issues.

The endocrine – or hormonal – system is part of everyday life. We are constantly in contact with both natural and synthetic substances that can interact with our hormone system. They are called endocrine active substances and are found everywhere in our daily life, such as in paracetamol, vitamin C, caffeine or alcohol.

Interaction with the hormonal system does not necessarily involve disruption. We are constantly in contact with substances that can interact with our endocrine system. These endocrine active substances are part of our daily lives because they are present in nature and in our food such as vegetables, milk, coffee or soy.

Our industry is committed to protecting human health and the environment. The European regulatory requirements for the authorisation of pesticides are stringent and already provide a high level of protection for consumers and farmers.

Our colleagues at the European Crop Protection Association (ECPA) have made this video to explain more.

You can find out more about endocrine disruption at www.reasonabledebate.eu