Introduction: Low Dose Hypothesis Contradicts Findings by State Scientific Panel
The Recycled Water Policy of 2009 admitted to uncertainty about risks from endocrine disrupting chemicals. A scientific panel was set up to determine necessary monitoring as wastewater utilities were being encouraged to greatly expand recycling efforts. The panel concluded that monitoring for specific endocrine disrupting chemicals was unnecessary. Recommended amendments to the policy reflected these conclusions and were based on assumption that the ‘dose makes the poison’ and low doses are not harmful.
In March of 2012, soon after AB 2398 was introduced (Recycled Water Bill) and the notice for Recycled Water Policy Amendment appeared, a new 80 page report was released by The Endocrine Society that represented the combined work of 12 top scientists in the field.
These scientists had examined about 850 scientific studies demonstrating that endocrine disrupting chemicals have major effects at very low doses. The lead author, Dr. Laura Vandenberg, agreed to submit a comment letter on the Recycled Water Policy Amendment to the State. Our comments, and Dr. Vandenberg’s letter (below) address concerns about the conclusions regarding endocrine disruption in the Amended Recycled Water Policy in more detail.
Direct Potable Reuse
Dr. Laura Vandenberg submitted the following letter, to the State Water Control Board.
RRWPC Letters and Comments on Endocrine Disrupting Chemicals Sonoma County Gazette articles on Endocrine Disrupting Chemicals Commentaries can be RRWPC’s official submission to regulatory agencies regarding proposed or current projects and for the most part have legal standing as formal comments.