Potential endocrine disrupting substances from materials in contact with drinking water

At present, there is much interest in the potential effects of chemicals on the endocrine systems in animals and man. Chemicals with endocrine-disrupt ing potential include (a) Various phthalates, (b) compounds based on bisphe nol A and F, (c) compounds based on alkyl phenols, and (d) the antioxidant butylated hydroxyanisole. However, the potency of these chemicals in compar ison with natural hormones appears to be very low. Although there is some e vidence for activity in animals, high doses are usually necessary, and ther e is controversy and uncertainty in the interpretation of some positive fin dings. In addition to consideration of potential hazards, the level of expo sure through leaching of these chemicals into drinking water is an importan t component of risk assessment. The present approval processes ensure that such exposure is very low. The paper suggests a strategy for the future con tinued assurance of an adequate safety margin for human exposure to such su bstances through drinking water.