Blocked Pathways: Potential Legal Responses to Endocrine Disrupting Chemicals
66 Pages Posted: 3 Aug 2006
Abstract
Scientists have recently identified adverse effects on normal hormonal functioning from Endocrine Disrupting Chemicals (EDC's). The effects, which may occur at very low doses, include decreased fertility, malformed reproductive organs, cancer, and neurological disorders. This Article assesses potential legal responses to EDCs and concludes that existing tools of regulation and litigation will probably be inadequate to respond to EDC risks. Scientific uncertainty about dose-response curves, synergistic effects, and the operation of the endocrine system will make it difficult to promulgate effective regulations under existing statutes and to use the tort system to address EDC risks. The Article therefore suggests statutory changes to respond to EDC risks, including strengthening right-to-know laws and shifting the burden of proof on chemical safety.
Keywords: environmental law, environment, tort, regulation, administrative law, chemical, DES, hormone, toxic tort
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