The Commission and its defence of endocrine disruptors

28.4.2016

Question for written answer E-003457-16
to the Commission
Rule 130
Jean-Luc Mélenchon (GUE/NGL)

Endocrine disruptors are substances found in plastics, food, pesticides and cosmetics that disrupt the functioning of hormones and can lead to birth defects and abnormal neurodevelopment in addition to promoting diabetes and obesity.

Since 2013 the Commission has been supposed to provide a clear definition of these substances in order to implement the rules adopted by Parliament on pesticides (insecticides, herbicides, fungicides) and biocides (industrial disinfectants, anti-vermin products or products to protect wood or leather, in particular) containing endocrine disruptors. With its delay in adopting this definition, the Commission is endangering public health in Europe.

Will the Commission finally adopt the WHO definition, which dates back to 2002 and has received the approval of the scientific community, whereby an endocrine disruptor is a 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, so that the hazards associated with these substances can be identified and numerous pesticides and biocides prohibited?