DEDuCT 2.0: An updated knowledgebase and an exploration of the current regulations and guidelines from the perspective of endocrine disrupting chemicals

The regulatory assessment of endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) is complex due to the lack of a standardized definition of EDCs and validated testing criteria. In spite of these challenges, there is growing scientific interest in EDCs which has resulted in the rapid expansion of published literature on endocrine disruption upon chemical exposure. Here, we explore how academic research leading to curated knowledgebases can inform current chemical regulations on EDCs. To this end, we present an updated knowledgebase, DEDuCT 2.0, containing 792 potential EDCs with supporting evidence from 2218 research articles. Thereafter, we study the distribution of potential EDCs across several chemical lists that reflect guidelines for use or regulations. Further, to understand the scale of possible exposure to the potential EDCs present in chemical lists, we compare them with high production volume chemicals. Notably, we find many potential EDCs are in use across various product categories such as 'Food additives and Food contact materials' and 'Cosmetics and household products'. Several of these EDCs are also produced or manufactured in high volume across the world. Lastly, we illustrate using an example how diverse information in curated knowledgebases such as DEDuCT 2.0 can be helpful in the risk assessment of EDCs. In sum, we highlight the need to bridge the gap between academic and regulatory aspects of chemical safety, as a step towards the better management of environment and health hazards such as EDCs. (C) 2020 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Automated summary

Regulatory assessment of endocrine disrupting chemicals is complex due to lack of standardized definition and testing criteria. Despite challenges, scientific interest in EDCs is growing, leading to rapid increase in literature on endocrine disruption post chemical exposure. Curated knowledgebases from academic research can inform current chemical regulations on EDCs.