Battelle Awarded EPA Contract for Endocrine-Disrupting Chemical Research
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recently awarded Battelle one of three blanket purchase agreements (BPAs) to conduct research on chemicals that may interfere with the endocrine system in humans and animals. This new contract allows Battelle to continue its long-standing work in evaluating substances that can disrupt hormone systems and potentially cause adverse effects on growth, development, and reproductive function.
Under this agreement, Battelle and two other companies will compete for task orders with a combined ceiling value of $44 million over the next five years. The contract emphasizes identifying potential endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) and assessing associated hazards, exposures, and risks to both human health and the environment.
Focus on Hormone System Disruption
The EPA’s research under this contract focuses on substances that disrupt interactions between the hypothalamus and pituitary in the brain, as well as the estrogen, androgen, and thyroid hormone systems, among others. These systems play a critical role in growth, development, metabolism, and reproduction, meaning that disruption can have wide-ranging biological impacts.
By studying these effects, Battelle helps the EPA understand not only which chemicals pose risks but also the mechanisms through which they interfere with endocrine function. This research informs regulatory decisions, risk assessments, and the development of safer chemical alternatives.
Battelle’s Long History in Endocrine Research
Battelle’s work in endocrine disruption is not new. The organization has been involved in this area for over two decades, beginning with its first contract in 2001 from the predecessor to the EPA Office of Chemical Safety and Pollution Prevention. Since then, Battelle has consistently contributed scientific research, assay development, and data analysis to support the EPA’s mission.
The company completed the previous BPA in 2024, performing more than $6 million in environmental science research. This track record demonstrates Battelle’s expertise and reliability in addressing complex scientific challenges related to chemical safety and endocrine health.
Chemicals Studied by Battelle
Over the years, Battelle has studied a wide range of chemicals known or suspected to interfere with the endocrine system. These include:
- Pesticides – widely used in agriculture and household products, some of which have been linked to reproductive and developmental effects.
- Pharmaceuticals – prescription and over-the-counter drugs that may enter the environment and affect wildlife.
- Phthalates – chemicals used in plastics that can disrupt hormone function.
- Bisphenol A (BPA) – a common component of plastics and resins known to mimic estrogen.
- Parabens – preservatives in cosmetics and personal care products.
- Antimicrobials such as triclosan – substances used in soaps and personal care products that may impact thyroid and reproductive function.
Battelle has also contributed to the development and validation of screening assays for endocrine bioactivity and tests for adverse effects, which help regulators and scientists determine which chemicals warrant further investigation.
Advanced Methods and Systematic Reviews
Most of Battelle’s recent work has focused on advanced research methodologies that improve efficiency and reduce reliance on animal testing. Key areas include:
- Systematic literature reviews – critically analyzing published studies to summarize current knowledge about chemical effects.
- In vitro methods – laboratory techniques using cells or tissues to test chemical interactions with endocrine pathways.
- In vivo studies – evaluating chemicals in living organisms when necessary, following strict regulatory guidelines.
These approaches allow the EPA to assess large numbers of chemicals efficiently and to prioritize those most likely to pose risks. By integrating multiple data sources and research methods, Battelle helps advance scientific understanding while supporting ethical and sustainable testing practices.
Data Analytics and Ecotoxicology Expertise
Beyond laboratory research, Battelle provides the EPA with data analytics, statistical analysis, and ecotoxicology expertise. This includes:
- Applying advanced statistical models to interpret complex datasets.
- Assessing environmental exposures and predicting chemical behavior in ecosystems.
- Developing tools to integrate human health and ecological data for comprehensive risk assessments.
Such capabilities are crucial for managing the growing number of chemicals in commerce, many of which have limited toxicity data. Battelle’s work enables regulators to make informed decisions about chemical safety and potential restrictions.
Commitment to Scientific Excellence
Vincent Brown, Battelle Program Manager, emphasized the team’s dedication to the project:
We are pleased to be able to carry on this scientific work, tapping into Battelle’s broad range of health research, biology, data science, environmental science, and quality assurance specialists. Our team looks forward to continuing to advance the understanding of endocrine disruption, publishing sound results and helping the EPA achieve its mission.
This statement highlights Battelle’s multidisciplinary approach, combining biology, chemistry, data science, and quality assurance to deliver actionable scientific insights.
Advancing Regulatory Science
The research funded through this contract contributes to the EPA’s broader mission of protecting human health and the environment. By identifying and characterizing endocrine-disrupting chemicals, Battelle supports regulatory decisions that reduce exposure risks and promote safer chemical practices.
The work also aligns with global efforts to understand endocrine disruption, as regulators, researchers, and industries increasingly recognize the importance of preventing chemical interference with hormone systems. Battelle’s research helps fill critical knowledge gaps and provides robust scientific evidence for policy and regulatory frameworks.
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