A range of chemicals have come under the microscope recently, some found in every day cosmetic products and others in a number of consumer and household products that many Europeans come in to daily contact with.
Studies have shown that some of these chemicals may be linked to the growing incidence of genital malformation in baby boys, as well as the increasing number of people being diagnosed with breast, testis and prostrate cancer.
While studies have linked exposure in a number of these everyday chemicals to decreasing sperm counts and infertility in humans, other studies have also brought about attention to a link between chemical exposure and sexual disruption in wildlife mating patterns.
"The concern is that chemicals able to interfere with the normal functioning of hormones, so-called endocrine disrupters, may play a role in these conditions," said a spokesperson for the conference, which is being hosted by the Academy of Finland.
Studies have found that many chemicals in every day use in the European Union and in other world markets have the ability to either act like natural hormones or to interfere with hormone action. These chemicals are found in a range of hair and skin care products as well as fragrances, and are also found in pesticides, industrial chemicals and household cleaning products.
However, the biggest gray area remains how a combination of chemicals, known in the industry as a 'cocktail' can lead to volatility and greater dangers. In the case of cosmetic formulations, many products contain long lists of chemicals which are often difficult to determine exactly how they react together.
The conference is being held in response to concerns highlighted by reports and to provide a platform for industries on the subject, and will take place between 8 - 10 November, at the Radison SAS Royal Hotel in Helsinki. It will include a full programme, where expert speakers from both the EU and international institutions will be featured.
That programme will include a workshop on human health, outlining current data on endocrine disrupters and the link with human health problems, given by a representative from the University of Turku; together with another workshop from the US Environmental Protection Agency, which will evaluate the latest tests to establish the extent of endocrine disruption.
The conference programme will act as a forum for the latest research from the European Union in this area, in tandem with a massive research effort which has to date seen the investment of €140m from the authorities with the intention of giving the EU market the necessary information to determine that chemicals are tested adequately.
Much of this research has now been completed, and it is expected that the conference will act as a platform from where the latest findings, especially those relating to the effects of chemical cocktails, will be publicly discussed.
For further details please contact the Academy of Finland website. www.aka.fi/euseminars