Introduction: Endocrine disruptors-exposure assessment, novel end points, and low-dose and mixture effects

Abstract

With the aim of discussing new research findings about chemicals able to interfere with the endocrine system, so-called endocrine disruptors, an international workshop was held in Prague, Czech Republic, 10–12 May 2005. The workshop was organized jointly by the EDEN project (Endocrine Disrupters: Exploring Novel Endpoints, Exposure, Low-Dose and Mixture-Effects in Humans, Aquatic Wildlife and Laboratory Animals; http://www.edenresearch.info) and the FIRE project (Risk Assessment of Brominated Flame Retardants as Suspected Endocrine Disrupters for Human and Wildlife Health; http://www.rivm.nl/fire), both large-scale consortia funded by the European Union (EU). The meeting was attended by more than 170 scientists from academia, industry, government agencies, and other organizations.