In March 2015 18 leading American and European researchers published an informative article in The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism on endocrine disruptors, which were identified as a cause of infertility, obesity, diabetes and cardiovascular diseases.

Phthalates and bisphenol A, the chemicals which disrupt the hormone system, are found on consumer goods such as plastic children’s toys or drinks cans.

The cost of healthcare in the EU related to exposure to endocrine disruptors has been estimated at several billion euros per year; the Commission therefore needs to take action, starting with the establishment of scientific criteria to define endocrine disruptors — a measure which has been promised since 2013.

Does the Commission intend to propose new legislation to reduce human exposure to endocrine disruptors, in particular for the most vulnerable groups, as per Parliament’s commitment in its Resolution of March 2013?

Is it not in the Commission’s interest to take action to safeguard public health and to counter criticisms over possible links between the current TTIP negotiations and the delay in introducing legislation on dangerous endocrine disruptors?