The TEDX List began with two reports listing endocrine disrupting chemicals: “Chemicals purported to be endocrine disrupters: A compilation of published lists” (IEH, 2005) and “Towards the establishment of a priority list of substances for further evaluation of their role in endocrine disruption: Final Report” (BKH Consulting Engineers, TNO Nutrition and Food Research. 2000). In 2011, TEDX researchers validated the citations in these lists and added more.
Studies cited for evidence of endocrine disruption show direct effects on endocrine glands, their hormones and receptors, as well as hormone signaling cascades that affect physiological function. This includes function of the reproductive system, fetal development, the nervous system and behavior, the immune and metabolic systems, gene expression, and many other organs, glands and tissues.
The TEDX list contains an abbreviated selection of references because some chemicals have been studied extensively and have large literature bases. Therefore, the number of citations does not reflect the amount of research that has been done on an individual chemical, and should not be used to prioritize chemicals.
Use and source information is obtained from the Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB), Haz-Map, the Household Products Database, and PubChem. If the use/source information is not found in these databases, other documents are searched, including those from the US EPA Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR), Chemical and Product Categories (CPCat) database, the Compendium of Pesticide Common Names, PAN pesticide database, manufacturer information, primary peer-reviewed literature, and patent information.
Antimicrobial: Chemicals that prevent the growth of and/or destroy microorganisms.
Biogenic compound: Naturally occurring or biologically derived chemicals such as phytoestrogens, flavonoids, monophenols, mycochemicals and phenolic acids.
Byproduct/Intermediate/Reactant: Chemicals used in the synthesis of other compounds and/or unwanted byproducts such as impurities and contaminants, including combustion byproducts.
Flame retardant: Chemicals used to prevent fires.
Food additives and contact material: Antioxidants, dyes, compounds used in food processing and as components in food packaging.
Household product ingredient: Chemicals found in items such as appliances, vehicles, building materials, electronics, crafts, textiles, furniture, and household cleaning products.
Industrial additive: Chemicals such as preservatives, antioxidants, and surfactants used in such things as glue, plastic, rubber, paint, and wood products.
Medical/Veterinary/Research: Chemicals used in hospitals, medical supplies, and equipment, in laboratories or as reagents, and pharmaceuticals.
Metabolite/Degradate: Breakdown products of other chemicals.
Metal/Metallurgy: Elements or chemicals used in the extraction, processing, or manufacturing of a metal or metal-containing product, including welding.
Personal care product/Cosmetic ingredient: Chemicals found in products such as cosmetics, shampoos, lotions, soaps, deodorants, fragrances, and shaving products.
Pesticide ingredient: Insecticides/acaricides (miticides), herbicides, fungicides, rodenticides, and other biocides, including chemicals described as 'inert'.
Plastic/Rubber: Components, reactants, or additives used in the manufacturing of rubbers or plastics.
Solvent: Chemicals used to dissolve other chemicals.
Unconventional Oil and Gas: Chemicals used in hydraulic fracturing and those associated with the process (including drilling) that are released into water, air, and soil.