The EU endocrine disruptors’ regulation and the glyphosate controversy

Abstract

Endocrine disruptors are compounds that alter the functioning of the endocrine system of humans and wildlife. A large number of chemicals have been identified as EDs and humans can be exposed to them through dietary and/or environmental exposure (air, water, soil). At international level, scientific discussion on the topic of EDs focuses on the issue of setting out the scientific criteria according to which the key properties of these substances that render them EDs are determined. Regulatory action in EU has been impacted by the aforementioned discussion and, in particular, Regulation 2017/2100 and Regulation 2018/605 have been issued. However, these scientific criteria do not constitute a complete framework for the detection of EDs and, therefore, their adoption does not entail a fully effective human health protection. Moreover, glyphosate-based herbicides (GBH), are the most widely used pesticides worldwide. The glyphosate controversy turned the spotlight on pesticide regulation in the EU. The disagreement between IARC and regulatory evaluations of EFSA/ECHA has received great attention of citizens, organizations and stakeholders, as a result of methodological differences in the evaluation of the available evidence have been identified. This paper outlines the glyphosate controversy, following an overview of the EU EDs Regulation and pesticide legislation. © 2021 The Author(s)