Toxic and Concerned Chemical Substances Control Act (TCCSC Act) was amended on Jan 16, 2019. Class 4 toxic chemical substances were defined as those chemical substances that have endocrine disruptor properties, environmental pollutants or chemicals which endanger human health. Every country has its own definition on endocrine disruptors (EDs), and the stringency of definition of EDs will consequently affect the related industries. To this aim, this project is designed to study the EDs related issues in Taiwan. The definitions of EDs throughout the world are different, some countries use extended definitions, some other countries define the EDs on its adverse effects, and some emphasize the interfering mechanisms of EDs. The definition of EDs in Taiwan is the summary of all the above definitions. This project recommends the using of extended definition of EDs at this moment, and the flexibility is the advantage. The screening methods for the identification of EDs are different around the world. This project recommends to follow the 5 levels of EDs screening strategy by OECD. In addition, the results of local epidemiological studies and the exposure potential (the amount used per year) should be included in the final evaluation. Around the world, every country has its own EDs list. In Taiwan, the TCCSC has registered 340 chemicals as the toxic substances. Among this 340 chemicals, 78 chemicals of class 1, class 2, or class 3 have been identified as EDs by other countries. In addition, 27 of class 4 chemicals in TCCSC has been identified as EDs by other countries. The above chemicals can be evaluated to be declared as “potential EDs” or listed as “concerned chemicals.”

Endocrine disruptors, Endocrine disrupting chemicals, Chemical Management