About MERLON

MERLON (Merging scientific evidence with regulatory practices and leveraging identification of endocrine disruptors using new approach methodologies) is a five-year project that explores how endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) impact health. The project will also develop tools for chemical risk assessors and policymakers to better identify and ultimately regulate EDCs.

Endocrine disrupting chemicals and reproductive health

Also referred to as hormone disruptors, EDCs are synthetic substances that can interfere with the normal functioning of our body’s hormone system and consequently impact people’s health or the environment. EDCs can cause health problems such as cancers, infertility and reproductive health problems, diabetes and obesity, and thyroid disorders.

The prevalence of hormone-related health issues caused by exposure to EDCs is a significant societal challenge. In recent decades, there has been an increase in reproductive health disorders and a decline in fertility rates, all of which may be linked to exposure to EDCs.

MERLON's objectives 

  • Explore associations between exposure to endocrine disrupting chemicals and impaired sexual development and reproductive functions in humans
  • Support the transition towards increased use of new approach methodologies (NAMs) in toxicity testing, by improving our understanding of the molecular mechanisms causing EDC-mediated adverse effects
  • Provide new and improve upon existing new approach methodologies (NAMs) to support regulatory identification of EDCs
  • Develop prediction models and adverse outcome pathways (AOPs) for EDC identification
  • Develop and improve tools for chemical risk assessors and policy makers to better identify and ultimately regulate EDCs
  • Translate and share research findings on EDCs and their health impacts with policymakers and citizens