RIVM is involved in research into endocrine disrupting chemicals and in the assessment of substances for endocrine disrupting properties. RIVM also provides advice on these issues to the Dutch government and international bodies. Additionally, within the Netherlands RIVM has set up a national knowledge network on endocrine disruptors. RIVM combines scientific research with the development and implementation of regulations, in close collaboration with policy partners. This combined expertise makes RIVM a valuable partner in research projects and international expert committees.
Knowledge network on endocrine disrupting chemicals
The knowledge network on endocrine disrupting chemicals receives input from a variety of experts, including risk assessors, scientists and policy makers. RIVM organises meetings enabling these experts to discuss developments surrounding endocrine disrupting chemicals. Within the network, participants share knowledge from the various areas of expertise involved - for example, on how to identify endocrine disrupting chemicals and the potential risks of exposure to them. Sharing information about national and international developments also helps support more balanced policy decisions. Ultimately, the network aims to protect citizens.
In this visual you can learn more about the participants of the knowledge network on endocrine disrupting chemicals.
Policy advice and interdepartmental consultation
In the Netherlands, the approach to and prioritisation of endocrine disrupting chemicals is coordinated at the national level between various ministries and relevant government agencies. This coordination takes place within the Interdepartmental Consultation on Endocrine Disruptors, a platform where representatives from the various ministries and government agencies meet. Organised once or twice per year, the platform consultations aim to share knowledge and information, coordinate policy and develop strategies on the identification and regulation of endocrine disrupting chemicals.
Involvement in various risk assessment phases
Identification of endocrine disrupting chemicals
RIVM is actively involved in the identification of endocrine disrupting chemicals. As such, RIVM contributes to the identification and classification of endocrine disrupting chemicals for environmental (ENV) and human health (HH) under EU (European Union) regulations such as Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemicals (REACH) and Classification, Labelling and Packaging (CLP). RIVM also provides input to the Dutch Board for the Authorisation of Plant Protection Products and Biocides (Ctgb) for the hazard assessment of endocrine disrupting chemicals for ENV and HH under the Plant Protection Products Regulation (PPPR), and the Biocidal Products Regulation (BPR).
Besides advising (inter)national regulatory agencies, RIVM is active in the international working group on potential hazard issues as part of the UN (United Nations) Globally Harmonized System for the Classification and Labelling of Chemicals (GHS). The Netherlands, represented by RIVM and the Ministry of Public Health, Welfare and Sport (VWS), is co-leading a subcommittee of this working group on endocrine disruption that specifically addresses issues regarding hazard identification of endocrine disruptors under the GHS framework. Additionally, RIVM experts are participating in the ECHA ED Expert Group and the EFSA ED Working Group, which provide informal advice on issues regarding ED identification and ED testing strategies.
Risk assessment of endocrine disrupting chemicals
As well as the identification of endocrine disrupting chemicals, RIVM is also involved in the risk assessment of endocrine disrupting chemicals, for example regarding cosmetic products. RIVM experts are members of the Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety (SCCS), which evaluates the safety of ingredients used in, e.g., cosmetic products. This increasingly includes the assessment of substances with potential ED properties. RIVM is also commissioned by ministries to perform risk assessments on endocrine disrupting chemicals or provide other scientific advice to policymakers.
Test strategies for endocrine disrupting properties of chemicals
RIVM plays a role in the development and refinement of test methods, new approach methodologies (NAMs), with the aim of reducing reliance on animal testing. To do so, RIVM has, among others, a zebrafish facility and a lab with induced pluripotent stem cells. Additionally, RIVM is involved in developing test strategies that combine various NAMs to support regulatory decision-making. Moreover, RIVM is involved in developing guidance documents, which help standardize the application and interpretation of these methods.
Research and knowledge development in international research projects
RIVM is involved in international research projects that study the effects of endocrine disrupting chemicals. Within these projects, RIVM collaborates with a variety of international partners to conduct research, share knowledge and develop policy recommendations. In this way, RIVM contributes to the understanding of the effects of endocrine disrupting chemicals on people and the environment, and supports the development of effective measurement methods to identify those chemicals. This can eventually help to improve identification and measures at the European and global level.
Read more about research projects in Projects and collaborations