Regulamentação do estrogênio sintético 17α-etinilestradiol em matrizes aquáticas na Europa, Estados Unidos e Brasil

Abstract

The synthetic estrogen 17α-ethinylestradiol, the princi­pal component of oral contraceptives, has been identi­fied as one of the main compounds accounting for ad­verse effects on the endocrine system in various species. This study aimed to analyze the state-of-the-art in le­gislation and guidelines for the control of this synthe­tic estrogen in water bodies in Europe and the United States and to draw a parallel with the Brazilian reality. Countries have generally attempted to expand the regu­lation and monitoring of certain emerging micropollu­tants not previously covered by legislation. Europe is more advanced in terms of water quality, while in the United States this estrogen is only regulated in water for human consumption. Brazil still lacks legal provisions or standards for this estrogen, which can be explained by the relatively limited maturity of the country’s sys­tem for controlling water pollutants.