WRITTEN QUESTION E-0414/00

by Torben Lund (PSE) to the Commission

(23 February 2000)

Subject: Hormone-mimicking substances

A Danish study has shown that octylphenol, a hormone-mimicking substance, may damage male gametes at the foetal stage.

Another Danish study just published in the periodical Human Reproduction shows that one Danish male in two between the ages of 18 and 20 has reduced sperm quality.

No quasi-hormonal substances are banned in the EU yet, for one thing because we do not know which substances may be hazardous to human beings.

1. What is the Commission doing at present to investigate the effects of quasi-hormonal substances on human beings and animals?

2. In view of the Danish studies will the Commission take action to have the use of hazardous quasi-hormonal substances including octylphenol banned?

3. Could there be a connection between damaged male gametes and sperm quality?

Answer given by Mrs Wallström on behalf of the Commission

(13 April 2000)

In December 1999, the Commission adopted a communication on a Community strategy for endocrine disrupters(1). The strategy aims to identify the problem of endocrine disruption, its causes and consequences; and to identify appropriate policy action on the basis of the precautionary principle in order to respond quickly and effectively to the problem.

The strategy focuses on the key requirements of further research, international co-operation, communication to the public and appropriate policy action. Recommendations are made for actions in the short-, medium- and long-term to cover these requirements.

One of the key short-term actions is the establishment of a priority list of substances for further evaluation of their role in endocrine disruption. In a first step, the Commission has launched a study to conduct an independent review of peer-reviewed scientific literature as well as the identification of sources and pathways of exposure of humans and wildlife and a quantification of production volumes. In a second step, there will be wide consultation on the results of the study. It is expected that the priority list will be established before the end of 2000. At that stage, the Commission will be in a position to consider what actions are necessary to address hazards or risks relating to specific substances. In this context, it should also be noted that Directive 1999/51/EC(2), which is a technical adaptation of Directive 76/769/EC relating to restrictions on marketing and use of certain dangerous substances and preparations(3), takes note of the possible endocrine disrupting activity of one such substance, tributyltin (TBT).

Regarding the possible connection between damaged male gametes and sperm quality, the Commission scientific committee for toxicity, eco-toxicity and the environment (SCTEE) presented its opinion Human and Wildlife health effects of endocrine disrupting chemicals, with emphasis on

wildlife and on eco-toxicology test methods on 4 March 1999(4). The Committee concluded that, for human health effects, there are associations between endocrine disrupting chemicals, so far investigated, and human health disturbances such as testicular, breast and prostate cancers, decline in sperm counts, deformities of the reproductive organs, thyroid dysfunction as well as intelligence and neurological problems. However, a causative role has not been verified.

(1) COM(1999) 706 final.

(2) OJ L 142, 5.6.1999.

(3) OJ L 262, 27.9.1976.

(4) Internet address: http://europa.eu.int/comm/dg24/health/sc/sct/out37_en.html.