FREIA will develop new test methods, and improve existing ones, in order to provide test protocols for regulatory purposes and test chemicals before they go into use.
In Europe, chemicals have to go through a safety evaluation before they are allowed on the market. As part of this safety evaluation, the ability of a chemical to disrupt the hormone balance and consequently cause adverse health effects has to be assessed. For this, standard test protocols are preferably being used that are agreed upon by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD).
Unfortunately, currently available test protocols are not well-suited to pick up effects of EDCs on female reproduction. Especially, if these effects are taking place during exposure early in life when a woman’s body is still under development, e.g. in the womb or during puberty.