Epigenetics—New Aspects of Chemicals Policy

Abstract

Epigenetics is the study of the natural processes that regulate the differentiation of cells and tissues, and are of significance in the development of organisms. This means it is able to offer a specific perspective on how various factors and stressors in the environment control gene activity. For instance, chemicals such as hormonally active `endocrine disruptors' leave behind traces in the epigenetic code that not only trigger illnesses, but can also be passed on from generation to generation. These epigenetic mechanisms of action are not taken sufficiently into consideration in the use and regulation of chemicals. Although the evaluation of hormone disrupting effects due to endocrine disruptors is covered by various product-specific European regulations, neither an unambiguous regulatory definition nor specific toxicological testing strategies have been in place to date. As a result of this, the protective measures provided for in the existing legislation remain vague. It has not been possible up until now for the state to monitor the use of these substances in everyday products. How society deals with the consequences of the influence epigenetic mechanisms have due to anthropogenically conditioned changes in the environment constitutes an interdisciplinary challenge for the academic community, policymakers and ethicists. The European Parliament has adopted a resolution on the protection of public health from endocrine disruptors in which it demands precautionary action because risks to the environment and human health cannot be ruled out. This means epigenetics has arrived as a topic on the current political agenda in the context of the impact assessment and regulation of substances with epigenetic mechanisms of action.