Communication from the Commission to the Council and the European Parliament - Community strategy for endocrine disrupters - A range of substances suspected of interfering with the hormone systems of humans and wildlife
Date: 1999-12-17
Institutions: European Commission
Subjects: animal health, hormone, illness, public health

COMMISSION OF THE EUROPEAN COMMUNITIES

Brussels, 17.12.1999
COM(1999) 706 final

COMMUNICATION FROM THE COMMISSION
TO THE COUNCIL AND THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT

Community Strategy for Endocrine Disrupters

a range of substances suspected of interfering with the hormone systems
of humans and wildlife

TABLE OF CONTENTS

1.

2.

3.

Introduction .................................................................................................................4

Objectives of the Paper ................................................................................................ 5

The Problem of Endocrine Disruption .......................................................................... 5

3.1. What are endocrine disrupters?.............................................................................. 5

3.2. Effects and sources of exposure.............................................................................. 7

4.

Addressing the Problem of Endocrine Disruption......................................................... 9

4.1.

The need for further research ................................................................................. 9

4.2.

The need for international co-ordination.............................................................. 10

4.3.

The need for communication to the public ............................................................ 11

5.

The need for policy action.......................................................................................... 11

5.1.

Substances under suspicion .................................................................................. 11

5.2.

Independent scientific advice................................................................................ 12

5.3.

The approach taken in existing Community legislation ......................................... 12

5.4.

Instruments .......................................................................................................... 13

5.5. Use of Instruments................................................................................................ 14

6.

Strategy...................................................................................................................... 15

6.1.

Short-term action ................................................................................................. 15

6.2. Medium-term action ............................................................................................. 18

6.3.

Long-term action.................................................................................................. 19

7.

Conclusions ............................................................................................................... 20

ii

ANNEXES

ANNEX 1: Listing of Legislative Instruments covering Risk Assessment and Risk
Management......................................................................................................................... 21

1.

2.

Risk Assessment ........................................................................................................ 21

Risk Management ...................................................................................................... 21

2.1

Product-oriented instruments ............................................................................... 21

2.2

Process-oriented instruments ............................................................................... 22

2.3 Media-oriented instruments.................................................................................. 22

ANNEX 2: Existing Community Legislation covering Environmental and Human Health
Aspects of Chemicals - Assessment of their Use in addressing Endocrine Disruption ........... 24

1.

2.

3.

Hazard Identification.................................................................................................. 24

Risk Assessment ........................................................................................................ 25

Risk Management ...................................................................................................... 26

3.1

Product-oriented instruments ............................................................................... 26

3.2

Process-oriented instruments ............................................................................... 29

3.3

Combined process- and media-oriented instrument .............................................. 29

Attachment to Annex 2: EU Risk Management Instruments ................................................. 30

iii

1.

INTRODUCTION

Endocrine Disruption is a mechanism whose effects relate to the functioning of the
is, development, growth, reproduction and behaviour of
Endocrine system, that
human beings and wildlife. There is growing concern about a range of substances,
which are suspected of interfering with the endocrine system - so-called “endocrine
disrupters”. These substances may cause adverse health effects such as cancer,
behavioural changes and reproductive abnormalities. The phenomenon has attracted
significant media attention. In the EU, an increasing number of parliamentary
questions have been addressed to the Commission since 1997 concerning the use and
regulation of a range of suspected endocrine disrupting substances.

In 1997, the European Parliament decided to draw up an ‘own-initiative’ Report on
the topic, which was debated and voted on in the Plenary Session in October 1998. In
its Resolution, the Parliament calls upon the Commission to take specific actions, in
particular with a view to improve the legislative framework, to reinforce research
efforts and to make information available to the public.

In addition, several Member States have launched national research programmes on
endocrine disruption (e.g. DK, SF, and UK). Other Member States have already
introduced specific measures to limit or phase out the use of certain suspected
substances on the basis of reported toxic effects (S, B, UK, NL, DK).

In December 1996 a European workshop was organised in Weybridge on the impacts
of endocrine disrupters on human health and wildlife. At this workshop over 70
scientists and policy-makers from the EU, USA and Japan as well as from
organisations such as OECD, WHO, ESF and CEFIC and non-governmental
organisations, concluded inter-alia that:

• There is sufficient evidence that testicular cancer rates are increasing, and the

apparent decline in sperm counts in some countries is likely to be genuine.1

• Some cases exist in the EU where adverse endocrine effects, or reproductive
toxicity, in birds and mammals coincide with high levels of substances, shown to
have endocrine-disrupting properties in some test systems.

• The considerable uncertainties and data gaps should be reduced by research and
monitoring into exposure and effects in wildlife and humans, but meanwhile,
consideration should be given to measures to reduce exposure to endocrine
disrupters in line with the “precautionary principle”.

More recently, on 4 March 1999, the Commission Scientific Committee for Toxicity,
Ecotoxicity and the Environment (SCTEE) presented its Opinion “Human and
Wildlife Health Effects of Endocrine Disrupting Chemicals, with emphasis on
identified a “potential global
Wildlife and on Ecotoxicology test methods”. It
problem” for wildlife. It states that “impaired reproduction and development causally

1

It should be noted that the Weybridge workshop participants did not
include experts in female
reproductive health or breast cancer and that as a consequence a recommendation was made to convene
a separate group to consider adverse effects on women’s health.

4

linked to endocrine disrupting chemicals are well-documented in a number of
wildlife species and have caused local and population changes”.

Public policy-makers urgently need to address this issue. It is therefore proposed that
the Commission adopt a strategy with short-, medium- and long-term actions in order
to respond quickly and effectively to the problem.

2. OBJECTIVES OF THE PAPER

The objectives of this paper are two-fold.

• To identify the problem of endocrine disruption, its causes and consequences.

• To identify appropriate policy action on the basis of the precautionary principle2
in order to respond quickly and effectively to the problem, thereby alleviating
public concern.

3. THE PROBLEM OF ENDOCRINE DISRUPTION

3.1.

What are endocrine disrupters?

and adrenaline, which help guide

The endocrine system consists of a set of glands, such as the thyroid, gonads and
adrenal glands, and the hormones they produce, such as thyroxine, oestrogen,
testosterone
the development, growth,
reproduction, and behaviour of animals, including human beings. Hormones are
signalling molecules, which travel through the bloodstream and elicit responses in
other parts of the body. Endocrine disrupters are believed to interfere with the
functioning of this complex system in at least three possible ways:

• by mimicking the action of a naturally-produced hormone such as oestrogen or

testosterone, and thereby setting off similar chemical reactions in the body;

• by blocking the receptors in cells receiving the hormones (hormone receptors),

thereby preventing the action of normal hormones; or

• by affecting the synthesis, transport, metabolism and excretion of hormones, thus

altering the concentrations of natural hormones.

The International Programme for Chemical Safety (IPCS - which involves WHO,
UNEP and ILO) has, together with Japanese, USA, Canadian, OECD and European
Union experts, agreed the following working definitions for endocrine disrupters:

• A potential endocrine disrupter is an exogenous substance or mixture that
possesses properties that might be expected to lead to endocrine disruption in an
intact organism, or its progeny, or (sub)populations.

2

The Court of Justice, in its Judgement of 5 May 1998, C180/96, Point 99, has said that “where there is
uncertainty as to the existence or extent of risks to human health, the Commission may take protective
measures without having to wait until the reality and seriousness of those risks become apparent”

5

• An endocrine disrupter

is an exogenous substance or mixture that alters
function(s) of the endocrine system and consequently causes adverse health
effects in an intact organism, or its progeny, or (sub)populations.

There are two classes of substances which can cause endocrine disruption:

• ‘Natural’ hormones which include oestrogen, progesterone and testosterone found
naturally in the body of humans and animals, and phytoestrogens, substances
contained in some plants such as alfalfa sprouts and Soya beans which display
oestrogen-like activity when ingested by the body;

• Man-made substances which include

–

–

including those hormones which are
Synthetically-produced hormones,
such as oral contraceptives, hormone
identical
replacement
treatment and some animal feed additives, which have been
designed intentionally to interfere with and modulate the endocrine system; and

to natural hormones,

Man-made chemicals designed for uses in industry such as in some industrial
cleaning agents, in agriculture such as in some pesticides, and in consumer
goods such as in some plastic additives. It also includes chemicals produced as
a by-product of industrial processes such as dioxins, which are suspected of
interfering with the endocrine systems of humans and wildlife.

Plants containing ‘natural’ hormones, such as phytoestrogen, have been shown to
have some beneficial effects on human health such as in the prevention of
cardiovascular diseases, osteoporosis and some cancers. It is believed that the human
body is able to easily break down and readily excrete these ‘natural’ substances. This
means that they spend very little time inside the body and do not accumulate
gradually in body tissue, which is the case with certain man-made substances. There
may however be risks associated with changes in lifestyle and altered food and
consumer habits, leading to higher intakes of food containing these substances.

Synthetically-produced hormones are substances which are produced and designed
by manufacturers to ensure specifically that they interfere with and modulate the
endocrine system. Dose-response relationships are measured and manufacturers are
required to publish any available information on the possible side effects of use of
these substances. The public is frequently in a position to inform itself of the benefits
and possible risks before deciding to avail of these substances. There may, however,
be risks associated with direct or indirect exposure, leading, for instance, to the
unintended uptake of these substances by non-target populations such as the presence
of synthetic hormone residues in food or in sewage effluent. On 30 April 1999, the
Scientific Committee on Veterinary matters relating to Public Health (SCVPH),
delivered an opinion3 on the potential risks to human health from hormone residues
in bovine meat and meat products. The Committee concluded that for the six
hormones under review4, endocrine, developmental, immunological, neurobiological,
It also
immunotoxic, genotoxic and carcinogenic effects could be envisaged.

3

4

Internet address: http://europa.eu.int/comm/dg24/health/sc/scv/index_en.html
The 3 natural, or identical to natural, hormones: 17 B Estradiol, Progesterone, Testosterone, and the 3
synthetic hormones MGA, Trenbolone and Zeranol

6

concluded that there is a substantial body of recent evidence suggesting that 17 Beta
Estradiol5 has to be considered as a complete carcinogen.

This particular issue is addressed by the Commission in the context of the World
Trade Organisation ruling of 13 February 1998 on hormones.

Man-made chemicals comprise thousands of new and existing man-made chemicals
which are designed for use in industry, agriculture and consumer goods and which,
apart from the uses for which they were designed, may have unforeseen adverse or
synergistic effects. There is also insufficient scientific information available on the
biochemical mechanisms of these substances in humans and ecosystems.

3.2.

Effects and sources of exposure

The phenomenon of endocrine disruption (ED) itself is not new. In 1938 DES
(diethylstilbestrol) was designed as a drug to prevent miscarriages in women and to
it was shown to cause severe
stimulate growth in cattle. In the 1970s/1980s,
problems
including congenital
systems,
reproductive
abnormalities and cancer. It is the first documented example of a chemical which,
when given to the mother, can cause cancer in her daughter.

and female

to male

Apart from the example of DES, suspected ED chemicals have been considered to be
potentially involved in a range of human and animal health-related effects. The
Commission Scientific Committee on Toxicity, Ecotoxicity and the Environment
(SCTEE), has, in its Opinion of 4 March 19996, conducted a review of the existing
literature and scientific opinion on the evidence for chemically-induced endocrine
disruption. It concludes 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.

For wildlife effects, the Committee concludes that “there is strong evidence obtained
from laboratory studies showing the potential of several environmental chemicals to
cause endocrine disruption at environmentally realistic exposure levels” and that
“although most observed effects currently reported concern heavily polluted areas,
there is a potential global problem”.

“Impaired reproduction and development causally linked to endocrine disrupting
chemicals are well documented in a number of species and have caused local or
regional population changes. These include:

• masculinization (imposex) in female marine snails by tributyltin, a biocide used in
anti-fouling paints, is probably the clearest case of endocrine disruption caused by
an environmental chemical. The dogwhelk is particularly sensitive and imposex

5

6

a natural oestrogen secreted, inter-alia, by the ovaries of adult women which, in its ‘identical to natural’
form, is authorised and widely used as a growth promoter in certain countries.
“Human and Wildlife Health Effects of Endocrine Disrupting Chemicals, with emphasis on Wildlife and
on Ecotoxicology test methods”, Opinion of Commission Scientific Committee for Toxicity,
Ecotoxicity and the Environment (SCTEE), adopted 4 March 1999.

7

has resulted in decline or extinction of local populations world-wide, including
coastal areas all over Europe and the open North Sea.

• DDE-induced egg-shell

thinning in birds is probably the best example of
reproductive impairment that caused severe population declines in a number of
raptor species in Europe and North America. Developmental exposure to the DDT
complex has been firmly linked to the induction of ovotestis in male Western
gulls.

• endocrine disrupting chemicals have adversely affected a variety of fish species.
In the vicinity of certain sources (e.g. effluents of water treatment plants) and in
the most contaminated areas this exposure is causally linked with effects on
fish populations.
reproductive organs, which could have implications for
However, there is also a more widespread occurrence of endocrine disruption in
fish in the United Kingdom, where oestrogenic effects have been demonstrated in
freshwater systems, in estuaries and in coastal areas.

• in mammals, the best evidence comes from the field studies on Baltic grey and
ringed seals and from the semi-field studies on Wadden Sea harbour seals, where
both reproduction and immune functions have been impaired by PCBs in the food
chain. Reproduction effects resulted in population declines, whereas suppression
of immune functions has likely contributed to the mass mortalities due to
morbillivirus infections.

• distorted sex organ development and function in alligators has been related to a
major pesticide spill into a lake in Florida, U.S.A. The observed oestrogenic/anti-
androgenic effects in this reptile have been causally linked in experimental studies
with alligator eggs to the DDT complex.”

terrestrial (land-living) wildlife,

For
including aquatic mammals, exposure is
primarily expected to be of dietary origin. The situation is different for aquatic
wildlife where direct uptake of dissolved chemicals from the water is a significant
route of exposure. Additionally, the reproductive cycle of aquatic organisms with an
unprotected embryonic and early life stage development occurring in the free
environment makes them particularly susceptible to chemicals in the water.

For humans, possible pathways of exposure to endocrine disrupters include direct
exposure via the workplace or via consumer products such as food, certain plastics,
paints, detergents, cosmetics as well as indirect exposure via the environment (air,
water, soil).

In general, the vulnerability of a given species will depend on the intrinsic properties
of the chemical, on the magnitude, duration, frequency and route of exposure and on
the way in which a given species can absorb, distribute, transform and eliminate
substances. It will also depend on the sensitivity of specific organs at different stages
of development.

8

4. ADDRESSING THE PROBLEM OF ENDOCRINE DISRUPTION

The main case studies concerning the phenomenon of endocrine disruption associate
adverse effects with exposure to high levels of specific chemical substances. This has
fuelled public concern and placed pressure on policy-makers and regulators to
address the problem as a matter of urgency. In this Paper, four key elements are
identified on the basis of which an appropriate set of actions is recommended. These
are:

• the need for further research

• the need for international co-ordination

• the need for communication to the public

• the need for policy action

The first three elements will be addressed in this section while the fourth element, the
need for policy action, will be addressed separately in Section 5.

4.1.

The need for further research

Lists of suspected ED chemicals have been drawn up by various organisations on the
basis of available information. However, further scientific data collection and
research is necessary to identify the selection criteria used to place substances on
these lists. In addition, it is necessary to assess the quantities of these substances in
the environment, based on an examination of the material flow of each substance.
This includes production volumes, consumption in further processing and final
products and import/export volumes. To this end, the Commission has launched a
study, the results of which are expected in early 2000. It will serve as a first step in
establishing a list of substances for further evaluation of their role in endocrine
disruption.

Until agreed test methods and an effective screening and testing strategy are
available, many substances, for which little information is currently available, may
escape attention when compiling lists of potential ED substances. It is therefore
essential to carry out further research in these areas and to investigate the need for
to address EDs. The
risk assessment methodologies
refinement of current
Commission is currently financing research efforts aimed at the development and
validation of test methods for the identification of EDs.

In order to support a rapid development of test methods, a focused research effort is
required into the mechanisms of action of the endocrine system and the range of
effects, including the role of hormones at key stages of life cycles. This should also
facilitate the development of useful models both for estimation of exposures and for
biological testing strategies.

In addition, further investigations are required into the links between adverse health
effects in humans and wildlife and exposure to specific substances or mixtures of
substances, including the health consequences of phytoestrogens and hormones used

9

as growth promoters. This has to be done via laboratory studies, epidemiological
studies, field studies and monitoring programmes.

There is also a need to develop and validate appropriate environmental monitoring
tools.

It should be noted that a broad range of research activities into endocrine disruption
is ongoing in Europe. Several EU Member and Associated States are conducting
national research programmes and a number of other States have a significant level
of individually driven research work.7

transnational

(1994-1998),

fourteen (14)

the Community Fourth Framework Programme

on Research and
Under
research
Technological Development
projects have been or are currently funded with an EC financial commitment of circa
€
8 M
. A further two (2) projects have been launched to date under the Fifth
€
Framework Programme on RTD (1999-2002) with funding of circa 3M
. In addition,
results from ongoing studies launched by the Commission into the risks associated
with hormone residues in bovine meat and meat products and in the environment will
contribute to the overall pool of scientific evidence required to address the
through
phenomenon of endocrine disrupters. The European chemical
CEFIC (the European Chemical Industry Council), is engaged in a global research
programme covering human health issues, environment issues and testing and testing
strategies.

industry,

4.2.

The need for international co-ordination

Due to the complexity and cost of the research to be carried out, it is essential that
the work is planned and conducted as efficiently as possible. This will require co-
operation and co-ordination among the key stakeholders, not only in the context of
the EU but also at a global level, in order to pool knowledge and avoid duplication of
efforts. This was emphasised at the Summit Meeting of the Environment Leaders of
the Eight, who met
in Miami in May 1997 where a Declaration, encouraging
international co-ordination in research efforts on endocrine disruption, was adopted.

To this end, the Inter-governmental Forum on Chemical Safety made a number of
recommendations concerning approaches and means for co-ordinating and/or
supporting efforts to address the issues internationally. A global
inventory of
research (GEDRI), initially based on inventories established in the USA, Canada and
Germany, has been established at the Joint Research Centre in Ispra, Italy and is
publicly accessible via Internet8. In addition, a global assessment of the state-of-the-
science on endocrine disruption is already underway and is expected to be published
in mid-2000. The Secretariat for the follow-up of these activities is provided by the
International Programme for Chemical Safety (IPCS) and OECD and a Steering
Group, co-chaired by the Commission and the US Environmental Protection Agency,
has been established. In addition, under the EC-US Science and Technology Co-

7

8

Ecosystems Research Report No 29 “Endocrine Disrupters Research in the EU, Report of a Meeting,
Brussels, 4 November 1997”, CEC Report EUR 18345.
Internet address: http://endocrine.ei.jrc.it/

10

operation Agreement, endocrine disruption has been identified as one of four priority
research topics9.

International co-operation and co-ordination is equally important in order to facilitate
harmonisation of any regulatory actions which may eventually be decided upon,
taking due account of international trade aspects. In this context, the European
Community has signed, in June 1998, a Protocol on Persistent Organic Pollutants
(POPs) under the 1979 UNECE Convention for Long-Range Transboundary Air
Pollution and is currently participating in international negotiations towards a global
instrument on POPs. Furthermore, the European Commission and twelve (12) EU
Member States are Contracting Parties to the OSPAR Convention for the Protection
of the Marine Environment of the North-East Atlantic, under which a Strategy with
regard to Hazardous Substances was agreed in July 1998. For endocrine disrupters,
this Strategy proposes to develop and apply appropriate evaluation criteria, using
internationally recognised testing procedures where available, to establish whether
substances have the potential to cause adverse effects to organisms in the marine
environment. It also proposes to collaborate with various international fora with a
view to optimising international research efforts.

4.3.

The need for communication to the public

in October 1998,

Following the Resolution on Endocrine Disrupting Chemicals adopted by the
European Parliament
there is a strong need to improve
communication in order to address the concerns of the public in this area. It should
be noted that risks are often perceived differently by the general public than by the
scientific community. Both the feelings of lack of information as well as of control
on the source and routes of exposure to chemical substances need to be addressed.

The public concern stems from media reports based on published epidemiological
evidence on environmental effects but may also, to some extent, be due to a lack of
clear comprehensible information about the ED phenomenon itself and actions that
are being undertaken to address the problem. This void is of significant political
importance and needs to be managed carefully. It will therefore be necessary to
identify appropriate channels through which to communicate reliable information to
the public on a regular basis, taking due account of specific approaches already
adopted by individual Member States.

5. THE NEED FOR POLICY ACTION

5.1.

Substances under suspicion

Under existing legislation, a substantial number of chemicals, which feature on
various lists of suspected ED chemicals are already subject to regulatory measures.

9

Six main ED research areas have been identified for further coordination: expansion of international
efforts to standardize and validate screening and testing methods; determination of normal ranges of
values for critical endocrine parameters in wildlife; support for international assessment of the status of
marine mammals; provision of an easily accessible, indexed searchable database on the literature of ED
effects; identification of human health effects in potentially sensitive international subpopulations based
on life stage and exposure; and development of international databases of existing human tissue sample
collections and cohort studies.

11

However, these measures are usually taken on the basis of reported toxic effects of
the substances without necessarily identifying the underlying mechanisms of action.

Given that endocrine disruption is a mechanism of action, it follows that the effects
which these measures address are not necessarily related to the endocrine system and
that EU legislative instruments may not fully address all effects potentially caused by
EDs. This is in particular the case for the environment. In its Opinion of 4 March
1999, the Commission SCTEE cited causal links between tibutyltin (TBT), DDT and
PCBs and impaired reproduction and development in wildlife. Examples of current
measures involving these substances include a ban on organostannic compounds for
use in anti-fouling paints on certain types of boats and in inland waters of the
Community and a ban on the use of DDT. Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) are
to bans due to their reproductive toxicity and bio-accumulation
already subject
effects. Other examples of measures involving suspected chemicals include two
pesticides which have been classified as toxic for reproduction and several others
which have been classified as carcinogenic or mutagenic.

Given the potential scale and seriousness of ED effects, it will be necessary to
consider whether, in the short-, medium- and long-term, substances can be controlled
more comprehensively, by considering for example their endocrine disrupting effects
through existing legislative instruments.

5.2.

Independent scientific advice

In its Communication on Consumer Health and Food Safety10, the Commission
established its policy with regard to scientific advice as a basis for ensuring a high
level of protection of health. The Commission subsequently created the Scientific
Committee on Toxicity, Ecotoxicity and the Environment11 (SCTEE) with particular
competence on scientific questions relating to examination of the toxicity and
ecotoxicity of chemical, biochemical and biological compounds whose use may have
harmful consequences for human health and the environment. This Committee,
together with other relevant Scientific Committees established by the Commission,
has a key role to play in providing independent scientific advice to the Commission.

In a first step, the SCTEE adopted an Opinion on 4 March 1999 “Human and
Wildlife Health Effects of Endocrine Disrupting Chemicals, with emphasis on
Wildlife and on Ecotoxicology test methods”. In developing future steps,
the
Scientific Committees of the Commission will continue to be consulted.

5.3.

The approach taken in existing Community legislation

Existing Community legislation on environmental and human health aspects of
chemicals is based on a three-stage approach. It includes a hazard identification
stage, in which a substance’s inherent capacity to cause adverse effects on human
health and the environment is identified, on the basis of the intrinsic properties of a
substance. The second stage consists of risk assessment, which is based on an
assessment of the hazard combined with an assessment of exposure to the chemical
substance. The third and final stage is one of risk management, in which strategies
for the management of the risks are developed.

10

11

COM (97) 183 final of 30.4.1997
Decision 97/579/EC of 23.7.1997

12

For each of these stages, the amount of available scientific evidence for individual
substances can vary greatly. Thus, a key consideration underpinning this approach is
the precautionary principle. In the case of BSE12, the Court of Justice has said that
“where there is uncertainty as to the existence or extent of risks to human health, the
Commission may take protective measures without having to wait until the reality
and seriousness of those risks become apparent”. The Court of First Instance has
used the same wording in another case concerning protection of the environment13.
In seeking to identify appropriate policy action on the basis of the precautionary
principle, there are at least two aspects to be taken into account. One is the need to
base policy on proper scientific evaluation and the other is the need to be able to
respond quickly and effectively to specific concerns as scientific knowledge evolves.

four

It should be noted that in November 1998 the Commission adopted a Report on the
Operation of
instruments (Directive 67/548/EEC, Directive 88/379/EEC,
Regulation (EEC) No.793/93 and Directive 76/769/EEC) concerning the Community
policy on chemicals.14 One of the issues identified in this Report is the need to ensure
that these instruments keep up with new scientific developments such as the potential
threat of EDs. In December 1998, as a follow-up to this Report, the Council
underlined the necessity to work on the development of an integrated and coherent
approach to the future chemical policy of the Community – adequately reflecting the
precautionary principle. The Council welcomed the Commission’s intention to
develop such a strategy in consultation with Member States and other stakeholders. It
is clear that the current strategy on endocrine disrupters will in the longer-term form
an integral part of the overall strategy to be developed.

5.4.

Instruments

For the hazard identification stage, Directive 67/548/EEC relating to classification,
packaging and labelling of dangerous substances is the main umbrella Directive
which provides for the classification of substances based on their inherent properties
while Directive 88/379/EEC provides for the classification, packaging and labelling
of dangerous preparations. The recently adopted Directive 1999/45/EC extends the
scope of Directive 88/379/EEC to cover plant protection products and preparations,
which are deemed to be dangerous for the environment.

For the risk assessment (RA) stage, there are a number of legislative instruments,
which cover new and existing substances and preparations. In addition there is
the RA of pharmaceuticals, cosmetic
specific legislation, which provides for
products, food additives and food contact materials. These instruments are listed in
Annex 1.

there are three broad categories of
Finally, for the risk management stage,
instruments: product-oriented instruments; process-oriented instruments; and media-
oriented instruments. Product-oriented instruments provide for
restrictions on
marketing and use of substances, preparations and products or for maximum levels of
contaminants in products. Process-oriented instruments provide for the control of
releases of substances by means of emission limits and the application of Best

12

13

14

Judgement 5 May 1998, C180/96, Point 99.
Judgement 16 July 1998, T199/96.
Commission Working Document, Report on the Operation of Directive 67/548/EEC, Directive
88/379/EEC, Regulation (EEC) 793/93 and Directive 76/769/EEC, SEC(1998)1986 final.

13

Available Techniques. Media-oriented instruments provide for acceptable quality
levels or environmental quality standards (EQS) for specific substances in the
environment. These instruments are listed in Annex 1.

In order to “catch” EDs in the EU legislative net, it will be necessary to assess
whether the main instruments for each of the three stages - hazard identification, risk
assessment and risk management - cover EDs.

5.5.

Use of Instruments

Annex 2 provides a brief assessment of how the main instruments for each of the
three stages can be used to cover EDs.

For the hazard identification stage, a key requirement for adaptation of existing
legislation is the availability of test strategies/methods. There are currently no test
strategies/methods available, which specifically detect all effects, which have been
linked to the ED mechanism. However, the OECD has set up a Working Group on
Endocrine Disrupters with the specific objective of developing a harmonised
approach to the screening and testing of chemicals. The Commission, Member
States, USA, Japan and other OECD member countries, as well as industry and non-
governmental organisations, are represented in this Working Group. It is expected
that the validation of a first set of tests and agreement on these test guidelines will
take 2-4 years to complete.

In addition to the need for agreed test methods, it may be necessary to re-evaluate
current risk assessment procedures in the light of emerging research results on
potential synergistic and low dose effects of endocrine disrupters.

For risk management, the tailor-made choice of instrument(s) with which to address
endocrine disruption will also only become clear once appropriate test methods are
available to assess the extent of the phenomenon. However, there may be instances
where the use of certain substances carries the possibility of a particularly high risk
for certain consumer groups, for instance children. In such cases, it will be necessary
to consult
the relevant Scientific Committees of the Commission, such as the
Scientific Committee on Toxicity, Ecotoxicity and the Environment, the Scientific
Committee on Food,
the Scientific Committee on Plants and the Scientific
Committee on Cosmetic Products and Non-Food Products intended for Consumers,
for independent scientific advice. It will also be necessary to consider the use of
existing instruments, such as Directive 92/59/EEC, which allow for short-term
emergency action.

In addition, given the wide range of potential ED chemicals, which includes a
substantial number of pesticides, there is a need to focus on existing instruments such
as Directive 76/769/EEC and Directive 79/117/EEC. Their scope covers a wide
range of dangerous substances, preparations and plant protection products. They
provide for long-term general and targeted action, such as prohibition or restrictions
on marketing and use. In cases where the release of specific substances into the
environment needs to be controlled, it will be necessary to consider the use of
process-oriented and media-oriented instruments.

Finally, it should be noted that, for certain classes of dangerous substances, there is a
direct link between Directive 67/548/EEC and Directive 76/769/EEC, that is, from

14

hazard identification to risk management. As the extent and seriousness of endocrine
disruption becomes better-understood, it will be necessary to consider whether the
conditions enabling such a link between hazard identification and risk management
may need to be revised.

6.

STRATEGY

In view of its role in protecting EU citizens and the environment, and because of the
potential seriousness of the concerns,
the European Commission must adopt a
strategy in line with the precautionary principle in which Community actions are
entirely transparent. The strategy should include actions in the short-, medium- and
long-term and at each stage take account of existing policies in the areas of
consumer, health as well as environmental protection. Community action has to take
into account the wider international context. It will also be necessary to analyse and
take account of the compliance costs for any given policy action as well as the
potential impact of each policy action.

At present, a number of initiatives are already underway or under consideration
within the Commission. In addition, scrutiny of existing legislative instruments has
already provided policy options for possible future action. It should be noted that the
short-, medium- and long-term actions identified below are based on an assessment
of the likely timeframe within which results can be achieved, i.e. 1-2 years for short-
term actions, 2-4 years for medium-term actions and more than 4 years for long-term
action. Finally the strategy must be sufficiently flexible to be able to incorporate new
scientific knowledge on endocrine disruption, as this becomes available.

6.1.

Short-term action

Establishment of a priority list of substances for further evaluation of their role in
endocrine disruption

The Commission intends to establish a priority list of substances for further
evaluation of their role in endocrine disruption, hereinafter referred to as the “ED
priority list”. In a first step, an independent review of peer-reviewed scientific
literature, emerging research results and assessment reports publicly available under
existing legislation will be
identification of
sources/pathways of exposure of humans and wildlife and a quantification of
production volumes. The Commission has already launched a study to address this
task, a key element of which will be the consultation of stakeholders on selection
criteria.

conducted as well

the

as

In a second step, the existing expert groups established under Regulation (EEC)
No.793/93, Directive 67/548/EEC and Directive 91/414/EEC as well as the
Commission’s SCTEE will be consulted in this priority-setting exercise. The
Commission will ensure co-ordination between these expert groups and the SCTEE
in order to avoid duplication.

The priority list will be used, inter-alia:

• to identify substances for ‘priority’ testing once agreed test methods become

available,

15

• to identify substances which can be, or already being addressed, under existing
Community legislation covering hazard identification, risk assessment and risk
management,

• to identify gaps in knowledge on aspects such as dose/response relationships,
sources/pathways of exposure and epidemiological studies of cause/effect
relationships which will help guide further research and/or monitoring efforts, and

• to identify specific cases of consumer use, for example, the case of potentially
more vulnerable groups of consumers such as children, for special consideration
from a consumer policy point of view.

Use of legislative instruments

Although adaptation/amendment of current legislation is a long-term action, there are
a number of actions, which can be taken by the Commission in the short-term:

• urge the Member States to speed up the risk assessment of these substances. This
can be the case where some substances on the ED priority list already feature on
existing priority lists under Regulation (EEC) No.793/93 and Directive
91/414/EEC for reasons other than endocrine disruption.

• urge the Member States to consider the substances on the ED priority list for
classification using existing test results for reproductive toxicity, carcinogenicity
and danger to the environment. Classification under Directive 67/548/EEC on the
basis of endocrine disrupting effects requires test strategies/methods, which are
not yet available.

It is also noteworthy that the recently adopted Directive 1999/51/EC, (a technical
adaptation of Directive 76/769/EEC), provides for a review of the provisions on
the International Maritime
tributyltin (TBT)
Organisation to impose a global ban on the use of tin in anti-fouling ship paints by
1 January 2003.

the decision of

in the light of

Establishment of monitoring programmes to estimate exposure to and effects of the
substances on the ED priority list

Once an ED priority list has been established, it will be possible to identify those
substances, which already feature on priority lists or which may be included in
subsequent priority lists using the methodology agreed under existing legislation. For
those substances on the ED priority list, which are not covered by the current
legislation, the Commission intends to consult stakeholders on the establishment of
monitoring programmes. This would give an estimation of exposure, both direct and
indirect, by determining the quantity of these chemicals likely to be released into the
environment. Such programmes would also need to estimate the proportion of this
release to air, water and soil as well as their use and fate in food, consumer products
and in the workplace.

In addition, there is a clear need to collect data on observed effects in order to
contribute to the understanding of whether causal links exist between effects and
exposure to specific chemicals, including such issues as dose and timing of exposure
as well as synergistic effects.

16

Identification of specific cases of consumer use for special action

In cases where potentially more vulnerable groups of consumers such as children are
exposed to substances on the ED priority list and where these substances are not
covered by the methodology agreed under existing legislation, the Commission will
consult
the relevant Scientific Committees of the Commission for independent
scientific advice. In such cases, carefully focused questions shall be addressed to the
Committees whose Opinions will be made public,
in accordance with normal
practice, in the interests of transparency and public confidence. Such advice will be
used to consider potential restrictions on use through Community legislative
instruments.

Information exchange and international co-ordination

Information exchange
and co-ordination among the Commission, national
governments or administrations, industry and other organisations sponsoring research
in this area will be essential in order to ensure a proper share-out of research with
clear contributions from all stakeholders, to remain abreast of research results, and to
avoid duplication of efforts. International trade aspects will also need to be taken into
account when considering specific policy actions. The Commission and Member
States as well as other stakeholders are currently involved in the follow-up of the
Intergovernmental Forum on Chemical Safety (IFCS) and the EU-US Science and
Technology Co-operation Agreement,
in the ratification of the UNECE POPs
Protocol, as well as in the negotiations towards a global UNEP instrument on POPs
and in the implementation of the OSPAR Commission’s Strategy with regard to
Hazardous Substances. Furthermore, the creation of databases on risk assessment and
of European networks under the Community action programme on pollution-related
disease15 will help to improve information exchange and international co-ordination.

Communication to the public

The Commission plays an active role in collecting, exchanging, assessing and
providing information, as well as in monitoring ongoing activities concerning the ED
phenomenon. In the short-term and on an ongoing basis, information to the public on
such activities, on the mechanisms and possible effects as well as the uncertainties
concerning cause/effect relationships and on the relative exposures to man made
chemicals is essential.

it will be necessary to consider an appropriate mechanism to
In particular,
communicate the ED priority list to be established as well as those substances on the
list, which are already subject to regulatory measures. The Commission intends to
make information available and accessible to the public in the appropriate form, to
ensure a feedback loop from the public to the regulatory authorities and to ensure
periodic re-assessment. For this task, the Commission will, as far as possible, avail of
a number of existing Community Programmes, on health information and education
and on pollution-related disease, as well as new instruments to be developed within
the framework of public health. Assistance will also be sought from, inter-alia, the
European Environment Agency.

15

OJ L155/7 22 June 1999

17

Consultation of the stakeholders

In addition to allaying public concern through the provision of clear, comprehensible
information, the Commission will continue to engage in regular consultations with
the Member States, industry, and non-governmental organisations to exchange views
on existing scientific data and results as well as regulatory issues.

6.2.

Medium-term action

Identification and assessment of endocrine disrupters

Agreed test methods for effects such as reproductive toxicity and carcinogenicity
already exist but these are not considered to be sufficiently specific to detect all the
effects, which have been associated with endocrine disruption.

In 1998, the OECD set up a specific Working Group to develop a harmonised
approach to the development of test methods/strategies for endocrine disruption. At
the first meeting of this Working Group, the US tabled a detailed draft Proposal on a
screening and testing strategy. It is essential that the Commission and Member States
ensure that sufficient resources are allocated to this Working Group in order to
prepare a position and to participate fully in this work, particularly in the validation
of test methods and in the development of an appropriate testing strategy.

The Commission already works closely with the Member States via the Working
Group ‘National Co-ordinators for Test Guidelines’ in order to co-ordinate EU input
at OECD on the improvement and development of existing and new test guidelines.
This Working Group has a key role to play in order to ensure harmonised input to the
OECD Working Group on endocrine disruption. In addition, the Commission is
supporting and will continue to support an extensive research effort
into test
methods, which also serves as an input to this process.

While a number of existing standard tests on human health effects can be applied to
the issue of endocrine disruption, this is not the case for the existing standard tests on
environmental effects. In the medium to long-term,
the Commission asks the
Member States to develop a new set of standard tests on this issue for use in
European environmental
that more
scientific evidence is available of endocrine disruption in the environment than in
human health. The Commission SCTEE, in its Opinion of 4 March 1999, has
identified for example the need to design tests for wildlife, which detect target organ
toxicity, including endocrine disruption.

legislation, particularly in view of the fact

Research and development

Research is essential in understanding the phenomenon of endocrine disruption. It is
essential particularly when it comes to understanding the mechanisms themselves, to
establishing whether there are causal links between exposure to substances and
adverse effects in humans and wildlife, and to investigating risk assessment concepts.
In addition, it is essential in developing test strategies and methods and in developing
environmental monitoring tools.

A key instrument for the Community is the Framework Programme for R&D.
Results from ongoing and newly started research projects under the 4th Framework

18

Programme (1994-1998) are expected in the short- to medium-term. The 5th
Framework Programme (1999-2002) will ensure ongoing research efforts in the
medium-
life and
management of
living resources” and “Energy, Environment and Sustainable
Development”.

the specific programmes “Quality of

to long-term, under

In addition, the Commission has a key role to play in bringing together researchers
across projects to exchange information and in facilitating co-ordination among
Member States.

Identification of substitutes and voluntary initiatives

Assistance will be necessary to identify substitutes, in order to facilitate possible
restrictions on the substances on the ED priority list. Such an exercise can only be
launched in a comprehensive manner when test methods for identifying endocrine
disrupting mechanisms and effects are available; otherwise possible substitutes will
be open to the same suspicions as the substances they may replace. In the meantime,
the Commission will consider voluntary initiatives,
in collaboration with other
stakeholders, to eliminate substances, to find/develop replacements and to promote
clean technologies and a reduced use of agrochemicals in farming.

6.3.

Long-term action

Legislative actions

A preliminary analysis of the existing legislation covering environmental and human
health aspects of chemicals indicates that two key legislative instruments, Directive
67/548/EEC on classification and Regulation (EEC) No.793/93 on risk assessment,
will require review to take specific account of EDs. For Directive 67/548/EEC, this
will involve either adaptation or amendment of the Directive. The Commission is
already undertaking a comprehensive evaluation of both instruments and any actions
related to endocrine disruption will need to take account of this evaluation process.

the
Depending on the results of hazard identification and/or risk assessment,
in consultation with the Member States, will consider the use of
Commission,
appropriate risk management instruments such as Directive 76/769/EEC. It covers a
broad spectrum of dangerous substances and preparations and will be used to
introduce appropriate restrictions on marketing and use.

In addition, the Commission, in consultation with the Member States, will consider
the adaptation of Directives 79/117/EEC and 91/414/EEC on Plant Protection
Products (PPPs) and 98/8/EC on Biocidal Products to take account of substances on
the ED priority list which fall within the category of PPPs or biocidal products.
Under the Proposed Water Framework Directive, the Commission will ensure that
endocrine disrupters are taken into account in a future review of priority substances
the
to be considered for specific measures at Community level. Moreover,
Commission intends to launch a study on the role of EDs in drinking water in order
to assess if it
is necessary to include such a parameter in a future revision of
Directive 98/83/EC.

Finally, although most of the POPs in the UNECE POPs Protocol are no longer used
or produced in the EU, the Commission is considering the need to adapt or amend

19

existing Community legislative instruments in order to comply formally with the
provisions of the Protocol.

7.

CONCLUSIONS

The epidemiological evidence of potential relationships between exposure to chemical
substances and endocrine disruption is a general cause for concern. Although a considerable
amount of research is still required to ascertain the scope and seriousness of endocrine
disruption,
the
Commission adopt a strategy, which takes into account the current concern on the basis of the
precautionary principle. The strategy includes short-, medium- and long-term actions.

including confirmation of epidemiological

is essential

results,

that

it

• In the short-term, the Commission intends to gather scientific evidence on substances for
further evaluation of their role in endocrine disruption. Once substances are identified, the
Commission urges the Member States to make use of existing legislative instruments to
their full, where appropriate. The Commission considers it equally essential in the short
term to alleviate public concern by effectively communicating. Finally, international co-
operation and co-ordination is a key requirement in order to make best use of available
resources and to avoid duplication of efforts.

• In the medium-term, the Commission and Member States will ensure that sufficient
resources are allocated to the development of agreed test methods within the framework of
OECD and to the development of an appropriate EU testing strategy. Results of ongoing
research projects need to be fed into the policy process. Research and development efforts
under the Community’s Fifth Framework Programme on R&D need to be strengthened. In
addition, identification of substitutes and consideration of voluntary initiatives will be an
important action in order to eliminate or find replacements for chemicals of concern.

• In the long-term, it will be necessary for the Commission to envisage proposing the
adaptation and/or amendment to present EU legislative instruments, which cover chemicals
as well as consumer, health and environmental protection in order to take account of
endocrine disrupting effects.

*************************

20

ANNEX 1

LISTING OF LEGISLATIVE INSTRUMENTS COVERING RISK ASSESSMENT AND
RISK MANAGEMENT

1.

RISK ASSESSMENT

• Directive 67/548/EEC, which under its seventh amendment - Directive

92/32/EEC - provides for the RA of new substances,

• Regulation (EEC) No.793/93 on the evaluation and control of the risks of
existing substances which provides for the RA of existing substances - those
which were placed on the Community market before 18 September 1981 and
are listed in the European Inventory of Existing Commercial Chemical
Substances (EINECS),

• Directive 91/414/EEC concerning the placing of Plant Protection Products on
the market which provides for the RA of Plant Protection Products -
commonly known as pesticides,

• Directive 98/8/EC concerning the placing of Biocidal Products on the market
which provides for the RA of non-agricultural pesticides, now known as
biocidal products,

• Directive 76/769/EEC relating to restrictions on marketing and use of certain
dangerous substances and preparations, which provides for a targeted RA in
cases where there is an urgent need for RA.

2.

2.1

RISK MANAGEMENT

Product-oriented instruments

For short-term emergency action

• Directive 92/59/EEC on general product safety which provides for temporary

restrictions on products in emergency situations.

For long-term general and targeted action

• Directive 76/769/EEC relating to restrictions on marketing and use of certain

dangerous substances and preparations,

• Directive 79/117/EEC prohibiting the placing on the market and use of Plant

Protection Products containing certain active substances,

• Directive 91/414/EEC concerning the placing of Plant Protection Products on

the market,

21

• Directives 86/362/EEC, 86/363/EEC and 90/642/EEC providing for
maximum pesticide residue limits in agricultural products and foodstuffs,

• Directive 95/2/EC on food additives,

• Directive 96/22/EC concerning the prohibition on the use in stockfarming of
thyrostatic action and of

certain substances having a hormonal or
betaagonists.

• Directive 96/23/EC on measures to monitor certain substances and residues

thereof in live animals and animal products.

• Regulation (EEC) No.2377/90 laying down a Community procedure for the
establishment of maximum residue limits of veterinary medicinal products in
foodstuffs of animal origin.

• Regulation (EC) No.194/97 setting maximum levels for certain contaminants

in foodstuffs,

• Directives 89/109/EEC and 90/128/EEC relating to materials and articles

intended to come into contact with foodstuffs,

• Directive 88/378/EEC concerning the safety of toys,

• Directive 76/768/EEC relating to cosmetic products,

• Recommendation 89/542/EC on the labelling of detergents and cleaning

products,

• Directives 76/116/EEC relating to fertilisers.

2.2

Process-oriented instruments

• Directive 96/61/EC, concerning integrated pollution prevention and control,

• Directives 89/369/EEC, 89/429/EEC and 94/67/EEC, concerning municipal

waste and most hazardous waste incineration.

• Daughter Directives adopted under Directive 76/464/EEC on pollution
substances discharged into the aquatic

caused by certain dangerous
environment.

2.3

Media-oriented instruments

• Directives 92/72/EEC and 93/389/EEC on air quality,

• Directive 98/83/EC relating to the quality of water intended for human

consumption,

• Directive 76/160/EEC concerning the quality of bathing water.

22

It should be noted that the proposed Water Framework Directive, establishing a
framework for Community action in the field of water policy, covers product-,
process- and media-oriented controls.

23

ANNEX 2

EXISTING COMMUNITY LEGISLATION COVERING ENVIRONMENTAL AND
HUMAN HEALTH ASPECTS OF CHEMICALS

ASSESSMENT OF THEIR USE IN ADDRESSING ENDOCRINE DISRUPTION

1.

HAZARD IDENTIFICATION

Directive 67/548/EEC on classification, packaging and labelling of dangerous
substances

Directive 67/548/EEC currently includes fifteen (15) classes of danger relating
to the effects of substances and preparations. The explicit detection of endocrine
disrupting properties of new or existing substances is not addressed in the
Directive and evaluation criteria/test methods for endocrine disrupting effects
are not specified. However, Article 2(2)(l), (n) and (o) of the 7th amendment of
Directive 67/548/EEC (Directive 92/32/EEC) refer to the classes of danger
“carcinogenicity”, “toxic for reproduction” and “dangerous to the environment”
respectively. It is possible to use these references,
in conjunction with the
adaptation of specific annexes of the Directive, to test and evaluate ED effects
of new substances. The procedure for adaptation of the Directive is laid down in
Article 29 of Directive 92/32/EEC “Procedure for adaptation to technical
progress”. The adaptations that may be necessary include

(1)

(2)

(3)

Development and validation of
endocrine disrupting properties (Annex V to the Directive).

test methods for

identification of

Development of general criteria for the interpretation of test data for
human health and the environment (Annex VI to the Directive).

Extension of current testing requirements for new substances (Annex VII
and Annex VIII to the Directive)

The adaptation of the Directive in this way provides the basis for a cascade of
actions in related risk management instruments, a range of which are listed in
the attachment to this Annex.

Since the identification of effects related to the endocrine disrupting mechanism
is the subject of ongoing research, it may in future be necessary to include new
classes of danger relating to these effects in Directive 92/32/EEC. This would
necessitate an amendment of the Directive and would include adaptation of the
Annexes as described above.

24

2.

RISK ASSESSMENT

Regulation (EEC) No.793/93 for Risk Assessment of Existing Substances

Regulation (EEC) No.793/93 aims at the protection of (i) man from exposure to
dangerous substances via all possible routes and (ii) all compartments of the
environment. ‘Man’ in this context includes “worker, consumer and man via the
environment”. The Regulation introduces two key steps: (1) the establishment of
priority lists of substances and (2) risk assessment.

For EDs, the first step will involve the establishment of a priority list within the
the Regulation. The second step comprises a
meaning of Article 8 of
comprehensive risk assessment on the priority list substances or the use of
Article 12.2 to ask for
for
supplementary tests. This would be for special cases where there are valid
reasons to believe that an existing substance (in EINECS) may present a serious
risk to human health or the environment. It should be noted that any available
data on potential ED effects are considered in the current risk assessment
process on a case-by-case basis.

information, which may include a request

Comprehensive risk assessments under Regulation (EEC) No.793/93 currently
require a considerable length of time and may lead to requests for further
information on testing. Requests for supplementary information and testing
under Article 12.2 have not yet been implemented under this Regulation.

Directive 91/414/EEC concerning the placing on the market of Plant Protection
Products

Directive 91/414/EEC provides for
risk assessment of active substances
contained in Plant Protection Products (PPPs). The Directive works on the basis
of priority lists of active substances, which are subject to, risk assessments. It
provides,
in its Annexes II and III, detailed data requirements addressing
toxicology and exposure in accordance with the current state of scientific
knowledge in order to ensure a high level of protection for human health and the
environment. Annex VI of this Directive provides for uniform principles which
Member States apply in granting authorisations of plant protection products. To
the extent that the concerns on endocrine disruption are confirmed by scientific
the Commission will update these annexes, after consultation of
evidence,
experts in the framework of the Standing Committee on Plant Health.

Directive 98/8/EC concerning the placing on the market of Biocidal Products

Directive 98/8/EC on Biocidal Products provides for risk assessment of active
substances contained in Biocidal Products. The Directive works on the basis of
priority lists of active substances, which are subject to, risk assessments. It is
therefore possible, under this instrument, to address substances on the ED
priority list which fall within the category of biocidal products by the
establishment of a priority list followed by a comprehensive risk assessment.

25

Directive 89/109/EEC and its specific Directives relating to materials and
articles intended to come into contact with foodstuffs

Directive 89/109/EEC and its main specific Directive 90/128/EEC on plastics
for food applications provide for risk assessment of substances used in the
manufacture of plastic articles. Directive 89/109/EEC provides a list of
authorised substances, following a risk assessment by the Scientific Committee
on Food (SCF). It is therefore possible to evaluate the risks associated with
substances on the ED priority list in food contact materials falling within the
scope of the Directive.

Directive 76/769/EEC relating to restrictions on marketing and use of certain
dangerous substances and preparations

In cases where there is an urgent need for risk assessment e.g. for substances
classified as carcinogenic, mutagenic or toxic for reproduction (Categories
1 and 2) under Directive 67/548/EEC, or where there are widespread health
concerns or national restrictions have already been notified, it may be necessary
to perform a targeted risk assessment with a view to introducing harmonised
restrictions under Directive 76/769/EEC. According to this procedure, an
independent consultant would examine, according to Community principles,
only the effect(s) of concern and this risk assessment report, developed in close
co-operation with all stakeholders and peer-reviewed by the Commission
Scientific Committee on Toxicity, Ecotoxicity and the Environment, would be
the basis for risk management under the Directive.

3.

3.1

RISK MANAGEMENT

Product-oriented instruments

Short-term emergency action

Directive 92/59/EEC on general product safety

Directive 92/59/EEC ensures that consumer products placed on the market are
safe. The term ‘safe’ means that a product, be it in composition, presentation or
in combination with other products, does not pose any risk or only the minimum
risk compatible with a high level of protection for the safety and health of
persons. To achieve this, Directive 92/59/EEC lays down specific requirements
for the producers and empowers Member States to check, monitor and, if the
case warrants it, control, restrict, withdraw or prohibit the placing on the market
of products which have been deemed as ‘dangerous’. Moreover, under certain
conditions, the Commission can take emergency measures concerning products,
which are found to pose serious and immediate risks.

26

Long-term general and targeted action

Directive 76/769/EEC relating to restrictions on marketing and use of certain
dangerous substances and preparations

In cases where a comprehensive risk assessment under Regulation (EEC)
No.793/93 has been completed and there is a recommendation to introduce
restrictions on marketing and use, the matter will be taken up in the framework
of Directive 76/769/EEC. The availability and likely risk of available substitutes
will be considered. An independent study of the advantages and drawbacks of
Community risk reduction measures will supplement the risk assessment. On
this basis, and after obtaining independent scientific advice from its Scientific
to Directive
the Commission may propose an amendment
Committees,
76/769/EEC or adapt its Annex I to technical progress.

In addition, there is a direct link between Directive 67/548/EEC and Directive
76/769/EEC, that is, from hazard identification to risk management. Half a year
after publication in Annex I of Directive 67/548/EEC of substances classified as
carcinogenic, mutagenic or toxic for reproduction (Category 1 or 2),
the
Commission must submit a Proposal to the European Parliament and to Council
in order to possibly restrict such substances under Directive 76/769/EEC.

Directive 79/117/EEC prohibiting the placing on the market and use of Plant
Protection Products

Directive 79/117/EEC provides for the prohibition of the marketing and use of
plant protection products containing active substances listed in the annex of the
Directive, because of their harmful effects on human or animal health, or their
unacceptable adverse effects on the environment.

Directive 91/414/EEC concerning the placing of Plant Protection Products on
the market

is demonstrated that, under

Directive 91/414/EEC provides that Member States can only authorise plant
the envisaged
protection products when it
conditions, their use will not result in, inter-alia, harmful effects on human or
animal health, directly or indirectly (e.g. through drinking water, food, or feed),
or on groundwater and in unacceptable effects on the environment. Member
States must cancel an authorisation when these conditions are no longer
satisfied.

Directive 91/414/EEC provides also for an examination of the safety for human
and animal health and for the environment of any new active substance at the
time it is due to be placed on the market, and of any existing active substance
(i.e. on the market before 28 July 1993) in the framework of the re-evaluation
programme provided for in Article 8(2) of the Directive. For a first series of 90
this re-evaluation is currently in progress under
existing active substances,
Regulation (EEC) No.3600/92. On the basis of this evaluation,
the active
substance may be included in Annex 1 of the Directive, where necessary,
associated with restrictions, which Member States must take into account in the

27

authorisations of the plant protection products containing the active substance
concerned.

Directive 91/414/EEC also stipulates that when the holder of an authorisation
obtains new information on potentially dangerous effects of a plant protection
the competent authority must be notified of this
product or its residues,
information; this information must also be circulated to the other Member States
and to the Commission.

Finally, it should be noted that Directive 91/414/EEC also provides for the
possibility of immediate action in terms of withdrawal of authorisations of plant
protection products by Member States when the safety requirements are no
longer satisfied.

Directives 86/362/EEC, 86/363/EEC and 90/642/EEC providing for maximum
pesticide residue limits in agricultural products and foodstuffs

Directives 86/362/EEC, 86/363/EEC and 92/642/EEC provide for the setting of
maximum residue levels of pesticides in agricultural commodities, on the basis
of
the toxicological data, consumer exposure and the established good
agricultural practice data for these pesticides.

Directive 96/22/EC concerning the prohibition on the use in stockfarming of
certain substances having a hormonal or thyrostatic action and of betaagonists.

This directive bans the placing on the market of, among others, stilbenes,
stilbene derivatives and their salts and esters for administering to animals of all
species. The Directive repeals all existing measures in this area since 1981.

Directive 96/23/EC on measures to monitor certain substances and residues
thereof in live animals and animal products.

In Annex 1 of Directive 96/23/EC, group A substances include substances
having anabolic effect and unauthorised substances, which need to be controlled
in residue monitoring plans of Member States. These substances will be detected
from the type of animal and its feeding-stuffs, including drinking water and
primary animal products.

Directives 89/109/EEC and 90/128/EEC relating to materials and articles
intended to come into contact with foodstuffs

Directive 89/109/EEC stipulates that materials and articles, in their finished
state, must not transfer their constituents to foodstuffs in quantities, which could
endanger human health or bring about an unacceptable change in the
composition of foodstuffs. The Directive is a framework Directive, which lists
groups of materials and articles, such as plastics,
regenerated cellulose,
elastomers and rubber etc., which shall be subject to specific directives. The
specific directives may include, inter alia, a list of substances, the use of which
is authorised to the exclusion of all others, and if necessary provisions aimed at
protecting human health against any hazards which might arise through oral
contact with materials and articles. Article 5 of Directive 89/109/EEC stipulates
that a Member State may temporarily suspend or restrict the use of an authorised

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substance if, as a result of new information or a reassessment of existing
information, the Member State has detailed grounds for establishing that its use
may endanger human health.

Directive 90/128/EEC is a specific Directive setting specific migration limits for
the transfer of constituents from plastics materials and articles to foodstuffs.

3.2

Process-oriented instruments

Directive 96/61/EC concerning integrated pollution prevention and control

Directive 96/61/EC is the main instrument to prevent and control emissions of
polluting substances from mainly large industrial installations. It is a framework
Directive that refers to the use of Best Available Techniques as a basis for
setting permit conditions and on an integrated approach to emissions to air,
water and land as well as energy consumption and eventual decommissioning of
plant. In its Annex, this Directive specifies that substances and preparations,
which may affect reproduction in or via the air or the aquatic environment must
be taken into account if they are relevant for fixing emission limit values for
industrial installations.

3.3

Combined process- and media-oriented instrument

Proposal
Community action in the field of water policy.

for Water Framework Directive, establishing a framework for

The Proposal for the Water Framework Directive aims to eliminate pollution of
dangerous substances by the use of a combined approach: application of
emission controls at source; and establishment of environmental quality
objectives. For substances, which present a high risk to the aquatic environment,
uniform Community controls are envisaged. In its Annex VIII, which provides
an indicative list of the main pollutants to be considered in taking measures
under the Directive, it is likely that specific reference will be made to EDs,
thereby leaving the door open for specific future measures on EDs. It should
also be noted that this Proposal covers not only the presence of man-made
substances in water but also synthetic and natural hormones.

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Attachment to Annex 2

EU RISK MANAGEMENT INSTRUMENTS

– Council Directive 75/324/EEC of 20 May 1975 on the approximation of the laws

of the Member States relating to aerosol dispensers

– Council Directive 76/769/EEC of 27 July 1976 on the approximation of the laws,
regulations and administrative provisions of the Member States relating to
restrictions on the marketing and use of certain dangerous substances and
preparations

– Council Directive 81/851/EEC of 28 September 1981 on the approximation of the

laws of the Member States relating to veterinary medicinal products

– Council Directive 82/501/EEC of 24 June 1982 on the major-accident hazards of

certain industrial activities (Seveso-Directive)

– Council Directive 88/378/EEC of 3 May 1988 on the approximation of the laws of

the Member States concerning the Safety of Toys

– Council Directive 88/379/EEC of 7 June 1988 on the approximation of the laws,
regulations and administrative provisions of the Member States relating to the
classification, packaging and labelling of dangerous preparations

– Council Directives 89/109/EEC and 90/128/EEC relating to materials and articles

intended to come into contact with foodstuffs

– Council Regulation (EEC)No.2377/90 laying down a Community procedure for
the establishment of maximum residue limits of veterinary medicinal products in
foodstuffs of animal origin

– Council Directive 90/394/EEC of 28 June 1990 on the protection of workers from
the risks related to exposure to carcinogens at work (Sixth individual Directive
(Workers
within the meaning of Article 16 (1) of Directive 89/391/EEC)
Protection Directive)

– Council Directive 91/414/EEC of 15 July 1991 concerning the placing of plant

protection products on the market (Pesticide Directive)

– Council Directive 91/689/EEC of 12 December 1991 on hazardous waste

– Council Regulation (EEC)No.880/92 of 23 March 1992 on a Community Eco-

label award scheme

– Council Regulation (EEC)No.2455/92 of 23 July 1992 concerning the export and

import of certain dangerous chemicals

– Council Directive 92/85/EEC of 19 October 1992 on the introduction of measures
to encourage improvements in the safety and health at work of pregnant workers
and workers who have recently given birth or are breastfeeding

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– Council Directive 94/33/EEC of 22 June 1994 on the protection young people at

work

– Council Directive 98/24/EC of April 1998 on the protection of workers from

chemical agents in general

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