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Introduction

Introduction

As new evidence has been obtained that could associate potential problems and endocrine disruption and public concern increased the European Commission established a legislative-based strategy for endocrine disruptors.

• In 1996, the Commission sponsored an international meeting in the UK to address the potential impacts of endocrine disruption on the health of humans and wildlife and to establish an agreed integrated plan for future research and monitoring activities in this field ('The Weybridge Report')
• In October 1998, the European Parliament adopted a Resolution calling upon the Commission to take action in this area to improve the legislative framework, reinforce research efforts and to make information available to the public
• In 1999, the Commission's Scientific Committee for Toxicity and Ecotoxicity and the Environment (SCTEE) published a report 'Human and wildlife health effects of endocrine disrupting chemicals with emphasis on wildlife and ecotoxicology test methods'

In order to respond quickly and effectively to the concerns and recommendations highlighted in these reports, the Commission, in 1999, adopted a strategy that was in line with the precautionary principle COM(1999)706. This strategy, known as the 'Community strategy for endocrine disruptors' set out the actions that would be undertaken to address the potential environment and health impacts of endocrine disruption, thus fulfilling the Commission's obligation to protect the health of the people and the environment within the European Union.

On 30 March 2000, the Environment Council adopted Conclusions on the Commission Communication in which it stressed the precautionary principle, the need to develop quick and effective risk management strategies and the need for consistency with the overall chemicals policy. The Council invited the Commission to report back on the progress of the work at regular intervals, and for the first time in early 2001.

On 26 October 2000, the European Parliament adopted a Resolution on endocrine disruptors, emphasising the application of the precautionary principle and calling on the Commission to identify substances for immediate action.

In 2001, the Commission presented a first update on the implementation of the strategy, COM(2001)262.

In 2004, the Commission presented the second update on the implementation of the strategy, SEC(2004) 1372.

In 2007, the Commission presented the third update on the implementation of the strategy, SEC (2007) 1635.