The American Medical Association's (AMA) House of Delegates adopted a resolution calling on the AMA to work with the federal government to enact new federal policies to decrease the public's exposure to endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs).
The resolution, introduced by The Endocrine Society, reflects the findings and recommendations of The Endocrine Society's peer-reviewed Scientific Statement (http://www.endo-society.org/journals/scientificstatements) on EDCs released by the Society this past June. Adoption of this resolution means that it is now AMA policy and is wholly supported by the House of Medicine.
Endocrine-disrupting chemicals are substances in the environment that interfere with hormone biosynthesis, metabolism or action resulting in adverse developmental, reproductive, neurological and immune effects in both humans and wildlife. These chemicals are designed, produced and marketed largely for specific industrial purposes. They are also found in some natural foods and may become further concentrated as foods are processed.
"The science demonstrates that there is cause for concern regarding the health effects of endocrine-disrupting chemicals," said Robert Vigersky, MD, president of The Endocrine Society. "The Endocrine Society applauds the AMA's effort to pursue informed policies that regulate the production of endocrine-disrupting chemicals and limit the public's exposure to these substances and their associated potential health hazards."