EPA to improve evaluation of pesticide in the Endocrine Disruptor Screening Program

EPA is releasing an overview summary of the Agency’s work plan to improve the scientific methods used to evaluate chemicals that may affect the endocrine system in people and animals. This work plan relies on scientific advancements in computational modeling, molecular biology, toxicology, and advanced robotics. By incorporating these scientific advancements into evaluating chemicals under the Endocrine Disruptor Screening Program (EDSP), EPA will prioritize and screen chemicals with greater speed, efficiency, and accuracy, while minimizing the use of laboratory animals.

The work plan, referred to as EDSP21, follows recommendations made by the National Research Council (NRC) in a 2007 report on toxicity testing. Since EPA is required to complete registration review of registered pesticides by October 2022, new tools are needed to more quickly and efficiently screen and assess these pesticides. Development and validation of these new tools will be a multiyear process. As these new tools become ready for use, the EDSP will transition to rely on computational toxicology methods and high throughput screens to more quickly and cost effectively assess potential chemical toxicity while minimizing the use of conventional whole animal studies. The workplan summary describes this transition.

By way of background, EPA is required to screen pesticides and other chemicals for their potential to cause effects similar to those produced by estrogen and other natural hormones.