Endocrine disruptors in the environment

On a daily basis, we use products such as detergents, pharmaceuticals, biocides and pesticides... These may contain endocrine disruptors (ED) that – with normal use or following inappropriate use or disposal – may end up in the environment and affect the hormonal system of organisms.

How do ED act in the environment?

When ED end up in the environment, they can cause irreversible developmental disturbances in wildlife. For example, they can affect

  • growth,
  • sex ratios,
  • reproductive behaviour and
  • fertility.

In Switzerland, certain substances suspected to be endocrine disruptors have been measured in the environment since the 1970s. Chemicals contained in flame retardants, surfactants, plasticisers, sunscreens or pesticides have been detected in surface waters, sediments and fish. Some of these substances are believed to have contributed to the collapse of bird populations in the 1970s and the disappearance of otters by 1990.

For this reason, the use of these substances has been legally restricted or prohibited for a number of years or even decades. However, they are still found in the environment since in some cases they are poorly biodegradable and can thus accumulate in the food chain.

It is known that certain ED can act at very low concentrations that are barely detectable in surface waters, for example. Measurements carried out in Swiss watercourses, particularly downstream of wastewater treatment plants, but also in small streams, revealed a variety of ED.

In addition, signs of possible feminisation have been found in male trout in rivers of the Central Plateau. This means that these fish have been exposed to ED. To date, however, insufficient data is available to indicate whether the reproductive capacity of native aquatic organisms is affected by these substances, and whether ED are implicated in the decline of fish observed in recent years.

What action is being taken by the Swiss authorities?

The Swiss authorities are continually seeking to identify the sources of ED and to reduce or eliminate discharges to the environment (e.g. by upgrading wastewater treatment plants and waste incinerators).

The use of some ED – for example, certain flame retardants, pesticides, biocides and industrial chemicals – is already banned or restricted.

Information on this topic is available from numerous sources (see under «Links»).

Last modification 04.07.2024

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Federal Office of Public Health FOPH
Chemical Products Division
Schwarzenburgstrasse 157
3003 Bern
Switzerland
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