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Brussels, 10 Oct 2006

An international conference on the impacts of endocrine disruptors will be held under the auspices of the Finnish EU presidency on 8-10 November 2006 in Helsinki. Many of the chemicals in everyday use have the ability to act like natural hormones or to interfere with hormone action. Substances of concern include certain pesticides, plasticizers, industrial chemicals and ingredients of household products and cosmetics. To pinpoint the potential harmful effects of endocrine disrupters, the EU has embarked on massive research efforts and to date launched scientific projects worth more than €140 million.

International experts and policy-makers from EU Member States will come together to assess new research findings, identify knowledge gaps, define future research priorities and consider the implications for policy-making and chemicals regulation.

The meeting is organised and hosted by the Academy of Finland, in cooperation with the European Commission's Research Directorate-General and the European Environment Agency.