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Section 4.2 Epidemiologic studies 1 Introduction
Effects of endocrine disruptors on human health have been
studied principally by laboratory experiments using animals and
human cells. Direct estimation of health effects of endocrine
disruptors that actually exist in the environment require
evidences from epidemiologic studies, which are conducted on
specific human populations. Epidemiology has thus been
considered to be a key component of chemical risk evaluation
projects by authorities. On the other hand, however,
epidemiology cannot always capable of revealing causal
relationships of chemicals and health effects, since
observations of normally living people are never free from
contingency, bias and confounding of factors. Another difficulty
is that large-scale or long-term observation of populations that
are actually exposed to endocrine disruptors, except for highly
visible cases.
A reference list concerning epidemiologic studies of effects of
endocrine disruptors on carcinogenesis, thyroid function,
organogenesis, development of infantile nerve system,
reproductive capacity, immune function, etc. was presented in
the report "Correlation of endocrine disruptors and human health
effects: epidemiologic findings" (Dec. 2001). The list provided
the basis for the Supplement to the Interim Report on Health
Effects of Endocrine Disruptors with an Annex (Dec. 26, 2001,
Office of Chemical Safety, Pharmaceuticals Bureau, Ministry of
Health, Labor and Welfare). The present document updates this
reference list for the convenience of overview of the current
issues on the human health effects of endocrine disruptors, and
proposes directions to be taken in future studies.
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