Endocrine-Disrupting Chemicals: Testing to Protect Future Generations

Abstract

Endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) are a class of chemicals that interferes with human hormone processes. EDCs are omnipresent: pesticides, plastics, and drugs, among other common chemicals, all demonstrate endocrine-disrupting properties. Scientific studies have demonstrated the frightening effect EDCs have on human health, for adults but also particularly for fetuses while they develop in utero. Given these health concerns, Congress passed the Food Quality Protection Act of 1996, which requires the EPA to test pesticides for their endocrine-disrupting properties. Unfortunately this testing, fifteen years later, has still not begun. Additionally, pesticides are only one subcategory of EDCs. Therefore this Note argues that citizens should bring suit under the Administrative Procedure Act to compel EPA to complete testing of pesticides for endocrinedisrupting properties and extend testing to non-pesticide EDCs, all with the goal of furthering effective regulation of EDCs.