What is it?
The endocrine system controls how your body develops, reproduces, and functions.
Hormones act as chemical messengers, regulating everything from growth to
metabolism. When chemicals interfere with this system, the effects can be significant.
Endocrine disruptors (ED) are substances that interact with hormone pathways. They may
mimic natural hormones, block their action, or alter how the body produces or breaks
them down. Effects can occur at low doses and may not follow traditional dose-
response patterns.
Understanding whether your substances have endocrine-disrupting properties is now
essential. Regulators worldwide have developed frameworks to identify and manage
ED substances. Requirements vary by sector, but the direction is clear: ED
assessment is becoming a standard expectation.
The EATS pathways:
Most ED assessments focus on four main pathways:
E – Estrogen pathway
A – Androgen pathway
T – Thyroid pathway
S – Steroidogenesis pathway
Each pathway has different biological targets, mechanisms, and effects. A thorough assessment considers activity and adversity across all relevant pathways.
Why it matters:
Endocrine disruption is now a regulatory priority worldwide. The EU, US, UK, and other jurisdictions have developed frameworks to identify and manage ED substances.
Requirements vary by sector:
Pesticides and biocides face strict ED criteria
Industrial chemicals require hazard classification
Cosmetics and consumer products face growing scrutiny
Food contact materials are under review
Beyond compliance, understanding your substances' ED profile helps you make
informed decisions about chemical safety & risk management, product development, reformulation, and market positioning.
The challenge:
ED assessment is complex. The science is evolving. Data requirements vary between
frameworks. Interpreting study results requires expertise in ecotoxicology, toxicology, and regulatory science.
That's where Yordas Scientific Services comes in.
What you get
Client-focused delivery
Expert consultants
Internationally recognised scientific frameworks
What we offer
We provide expert assessment of endocrine-disrupting properties. Our team of experienced ecotoxicologists, toxicologists, and regulatory specialists evaluates your substances using internationally recognised scientific frameworks, allowing us to deliver assessments that meet your specific requirements.
Scientific evaluation
We assess potential ED activity and adversity across the EATS pathways. Our
approach follows internationally recognised guidance from OECD, ECHA, EFSA and
US EPA. Our evaluations cover all relevant lines of evidence:
Mechanistic data: In vitro assays that detect interactions with hormone receptors or
steroidogenic enzymes. These include receptor binding, transactivation and enzyme
inhibition studies.
In vivo mammalian studies: Guideline and non-guideline studies in rodents and other species. We evaluate reproductive, developmental and endocrine-sensitive endpoints according to the OECD Conceptual Framework.
Ecotoxicological data: Studies in fish, amphibians and invertebrates that reveal
environmental ED effects. These are essential for assessing risks to wildlife and
ecosystems.
Epidemiological evidence: Human data from occupational, environmental or clinical studies. Where available, this strengthens the relevance of findings to human health.
Mode of action analysis: We examine how effects are produced, linking observed
outcomes to specific endocrine mechanisms. This distinguishes ED-mediated effects
from other toxicity pathways
Data review and gap analysis
Not all substances have sufficient data for a complete ED assessment. Therefore, we gather and critically appraise existing studies, identify gaps, and recommend targeted approaches to address them. This may include:
Additional literature searching.
Targeted testing recommendations
Our strategies consider:
The OECD Conceptual Framework levels
Tiered testing approaches
In vitro alternatives where appropriate
Read-across from structural analogues
In silico prediction
Our goal is to reach robust conclusions efficiently, without unnecessary animal testing or expense. When new studies are needed, we work with contract research organisations to design protocols, monitor and conduct, and interpret results.
Fit-for-purpose assessments
ED requirements differ by jurisdiction and sector. We tailor our approach to your specific needs.
Regulatory submissions: Formal assessments for pesticide, biocide or chemical
registrations. We follow the exact format and content expectations of the relevant
authority.
Product stewardship: Internal assessments to inform product development, reformulation or portfolio decisions. Focused, efficient and fit for purpose.
Due diligence: Rapid evaluations for acquisitions, licensing or product launches. We identify ED-related risks before they become problems.
Defence strategies: Support for substances facing ED-related challenges. We critically appraise claims and develop scientifically robust responses.
We work with your existing scientific staff or serve as your dedicated resource.
Our Process
Stage 1: Define the scope
We understand your needs, identify which substances require assessment, and clarify the regulatory and business context.
Stage 2: Gather the data
We collect existing study reports, published literature, regulatory assessments and analogue data.
Stage 3: Organise by pathway
We categorise data by EATS pathway and assay level, creating a structured view of the evidence.
Stage 4: Critically appraise
We evaluate each study for quality, reliability and relevance. Not all data carries equal weight.
Stage 5: Assess activity and adversity
We determine whether the substance shows endocrine activity and whether this leads to adverse effects through an endocrine mechanism.
Stage 6: Apply weight of evidence
We integrate findings across pathways and data sources using the ECHA/EFSA methodology or EPA EDSP framework as appropriate.
Stage 7: Draw conclusions
We determine whether the substance meets ED criteria and document the reasoning transparently.
Stage 8: Report and support
We prepare a clear report suited to your needs and support follow-up discussions with regulators.