A new study published online on November 17, 2014 by the Nordic Council of Ministers, the inter-governmental body for co-operation in the Nordic region, presents a socio-economic analysis of exposure to endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) and related disease. The focus of the analysis is given to the financial costs of effects on male reproductive health (testicular cancer, hypospadias, cryptorchidism and infertility). The model used is based on disease incidence figures in Nordic countries (Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway and Sweden). Cost per case is calculated on cost per patient in Sweden. The results are further extrapolated to all EU member states in accordance with the population size. The model considers scenarios where EDCs constitute 2, 20 and 40% of the total financial burden for the selected health effects. The analysis shows that annual costs owed to EDC exposure may amount to 3.6, 36.1 or 72.3 million euros in the Nordic countries and to 59, 592 and 1184 million euros at the European level. The study thus concludes that minimizing population exposure to EDCs will not only remove distress and pain for those affected by EDC-related illnesses, but it will also result in substantial economic savings.
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Nordic Council of Ministers (November 17, 2014). “The Cost of Inaction: A Socioeconomic analysis of costs linked to effects of endocrine disrupting substances on male reproductive health.”
Health and Environment Alliance (November 17, 2014). “Nordic countries estimate high costs from chemical exposure.”
ChemTrust (November 17, 2014). “Impact of hormone disrupting chemicals on male health costs hundreds of millions of € in the EU.”
