iSmithers and sister companies Springborn Smithers and Smithers Viscient are pleased to announce dates for their first conference on Endocrine Disruptors.  The conference is being developed to discuss fresh research on the influence of so called "endocrine disruptors" on human health and the environment.  Taking place in Zurich on 8-9 February, the conference will address key topics related to the evaluation of adverse effects on the endocrine system and the corresponding regulatory requirements. 

According to Annex XV of the REACH regulation in Europe, an Annex XV dossier has to be prepared for compounds that are carcinogenic, mutagenic, reproductively toxic, respiratory sensitizers,  persistent / bioaccumulative / toxic (PBT) or of equivalent concern.  While equivalent concern is somewhat unspecified, chemicals that could interact with the endocrine system would fall into that category. 

In the United States, an endocrine disruptor screening program (EDSP) is now underway and the manufacturers of 67 pesticides and chemicals have to date received test orders for the completion of tier 1 screening tests to be done according to the EPA's 890 test guidelines.  Since an Annex XV dossier or a positive finding from the EDSP will have far reaching consequences including use restrictions up to a total ban, the assessment of endocrine activity needs to be based on solid science starting from reliable, robust, validated and internationally harmonized screening tests up to and including an agreed upon assessment of the available data considering a weight of evidence approach.

iSmithers is recruiting speakers for this high profile event. The conference will bring together experts from academia, government, and industry from around the globe to focus on current and future trends in testing, interpretation and evaluation of test results and how this relates to or influences regulatory activities.  All abstracts should be sent to Alix Reeves email areeves@ismithers.net or Fax +44(0)1939 252416 by the deadline of 3 September 2010.