Endocrine Disruptors Special Interest Group
Background
Endocrine disruptors (EDs) encompasses a wide range of potential mechanisms, effects in wildlife and potential involvement in important human health disorders such as breast and prostate cancer, masculinisation disorders and male fertility/sperm counts. As endocrinologists, we recognise that perturbation of any endocrine system is likely to have health consequences, so the potential for such effects by environmental chemicals is of obvious interest and concern. However, this is an area of research that has become emotionally charged, with opposing and often polarised opinions, many of which do not have a solid basis in scientific fact. Additionally, new research on ‘mixtures effects’ of environmental EDs is pointing to the need for a complete rethink on how we assess the health risk and safety of individual EDs leading to regulatory action. The goal of the SIG is to provide a resource of informed opinion, based on rigorous scientific data, as well as a forum for discussion of new results and ideas and the development of collaborations. The Group is led by Professor Richard Sharpe (r.sharpe@hrsu.mrc.ac.uk) (Edinburgh) with Professor Ieuan Hughes (iah1000@medschl.cam.ac.uk) (Cambridge) acting as co-convenor.
Actions
- To establish a register of the specific interests and expertise of members
- To provide a resident source of expertise for those seeking advice and guidance on all aspects of EDs
- To provide a forum for discussion via the exchange of ideas and results with the potential to develop research collaborations
- To promote research on EDs, in particular studies in humans (exposure, epidemiology)
- To promote and organise symposia or other forums in which to address new developments in ED research
- To promote public understanding of the intrinsic importance of endocrinology in health and disease and whether or not EDs contribute to this
See also...