Eurofins | Newsletter - December 2017 | Cosmetics - Endocrine Disruptors

Endocrine Disruptors

In the past 20 years, both animal and epidemiological studies have indicated that substances with hormone-like effects interfere with hormonal processes and modify them. These substances are also called environmental hormones or endocrine disruptors (ED). It seems reasonable that they are associated with hormone-dependant diseases and health disorders in humans. Many of these substances have been regulated, i.e. classified as restricted or prohibited due to their toxic properties.

However, on 4 July 2017 the EU set the course for a generally binding legislation. Its strategy includes a legally binding definition of the term ‘endocrine disruptor’ in order to minimise future potential risks to.

Furthermore, the EU aims dealing not only with pesticides and biocides but also involving toys, cosmetics, as well as food packaging materials.

An expert team at Eurofins developed various test methods to determine the potential hormonal activity of a substance. Take advantage of our offer to understand how your products work – always be one step ahead of your competitors

Our Solution

Eurofins Gives You a Clear Perspective

We examine the effects of an endocrine disruptor determining its risk potential using five individual steps:

• Step 1: Data research and evaluation of already existing material prior to the actual laboratory analysis.
• Step 2: In vitro tests providing data for a certain endocrine mechanism or signal path.
• Step 3: Short-term studies targeting on a certain endocrine mechanism or signal path.
• Step 4: Studies to obtain counter effects on other existing endocrine parameters in the organism.
• Step 5: Studies providing comprehensive data material concerning the counter effects on other endocrine parameters including the impact of endocrine disruptors on the life cycles of organisms.

Our Analysis Portfolio

Ecotoxicology

We examine the potential toxicity risks of a sample affecting the ecosystem (aquatic or terrestrial), thereby focusing on the reproduction of organisms.

Using transgenic models, either the ChgH-GFP Japanese Rice Fish Medaka or the transcription factor Th/bZIP containing frog Xenopus, lead to the quantification of the endocrine effects of your test substance on the hormone system of the test organism itself (see Steps 3 and 4). . Both species serve as suitable test organisms in vitro because they have an endocrine system. In compliance with the OECD guidelines, these tests allow the characterisation of an endocrine disruptor using a transcriptional bioindicator.

Reproduction and Genotoxicity Studies

These long-term tests provide information on the possible impact of your test substance on future generations (see Step 5).

• OECD 421: Reproduction/developmental Toxicity Screening Test.
• OECD 422: Combined Repeated Dose Toxicity Study with the Reproduction/Developmental Toxicity Screening Test.
• OECD 414: Prenatal developmental Toxicity Study.
• OECD 416: Two-Generation Reproduction Toxicity.

Chemical Analysis

Quantitative determination of the effect caused by an endocrine disruptor (bisphenol A, parabens, phthalates, etc.).

Why Eurofins

• Due to Eurofins’ expertise and partnership with highly specialised laboratories, you will receive complete studies from one hand in areas, such as environment, cosmetics, and food contact materials.
• We analyse both, the ingredients and the products, considering as well ‘cocktail effects’.