Pesticide Testing

For years there has been speculated as to whether the pesticides in our food supply has an effect on our health. Pesticides have been blamed for everything from children going through puberty earlier, to cancer and a miriad of other diseases. To date, it has been just that, speculation, with no real evidence to back up any of those claims. The Environmental Protection Agency in the U.S. has developed the Endocrine Disruptor Screening Program, which will now be testing pesticide chemicals for potential effects on the endocrine system.

"The EDSP is the most comprehensive mandated testing program for hormone effects in the U.S. The program is the result of a multi-year effort that includes validation of the science through a transparent scientific review process".

The endocrine system is responsible for hormone production in our bodies, which affects growth, metabolism and reproduction. “After years of delay, EPA is aggressively moving forward by ordering the testing of a number of pesticide chemicals for hormone effects,” said Steve Owens, assistant administrator of EPA’s Office of Prevention, Pesticides, and Toxic Substances. “These new data will be carefully evaluated to help identify potential hormone disruptor chemicals.”

According to the EPA, on Oct. 21, "the battery of scientific assays and test guidelines for conducting the assays, as well as a schedule for issuing test orders to manufacturers for 67 chemicals during the next four months" were made available. Testing has begun for the first group of chemicals and will expand to cover all pesticides. The data from the Endocrine Disruptor Screening Program will then determine whether further testing needs to be done, or if potential "endocrine disrupting chemicals" need to be addressed.

For more information about the screening program: http://www.epa.gov/endo

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