ENDOMIX is a pioneering research project dedicated to uncovering the true impact of endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) and mixtures on human health, bridging gaps between science and policy to inform regulations and protect vulnerable populations. Employing an interdisciplinary strategy, ENDOMIX investigates the complex interactions of EDCs with the immune system, aiming to deliver new knowledge and recommendations for minimizing exposure and preventing adverse health effects. By focusing on real-life EDC mixtures, vulnerable life stages, and advanced research methodologies, ENDOMIX aims to revolutionise our understanding of immunotoxicity and its implications for human health outcomes.
ENDOMIX envisions a future where the true impact of EDCs is fully understood, leading to informed policies and practices that safeguard human health. By pioneering innovative research methodologies and fostering interdisciplinary collaboration, we aim to close existing knowledge gaps and revolutionise our understanding of EDCs and their implications for public health.
Our mission is to rigorously uncover the complex interactions between EDCs and human health, focusing on immunotoxicity and critical periods of development. Through comprehensive data generation, synthesis, and translation, we strive to deliver disruptive insights that inform evidence-based policies, empower decision-makers, and ultimately minimise exposures to hazardous chemicals. By bridging the gap between science and policy, we aim to protect vulnerable populations and promote a healthier environment for all.
The impact of ENDOMIX extends beyond the realms of research, catalysing positive change in policies, regulations, and public awareness surrounding EDCs and their health effects. By delivering critical new knowledge and evidence-based recommendations, we empower policymakers, regulatory bodies, and the public to make informed decisions that prioritise health and well-being.
| Project name | Understanding how endocrine disruptors and chemical mixtures of concern target the immune system to trigger or perpetuate disease |
| Acronym | ENDOMIX |
| Coordinator | Helmholtz-Zentrum für Umweltforschung GmbH (UFZ) |
| Partners | 10 partners from 7 European countries |
| Start date | 1 January 2024 |
| End date | 31 December 2027 |
| Duration | 48 months |
| Grant amount | EUR 6 488 875.00 |
The project operates within the context of rising concerns about the health effects of EDC exposure, particularly in relation to non-communicable diseases (NCDs) such as obesity and diabetes, and the European Commission's commitment to assess and manage EDCs. Understanding how EDCs cause adverse health outcomes is crucial, as these diseases not only cause individual suffering but also generate enormous costs to healthcare systems.
The project will deliver disruptive insights into the immunotoxic effects of EDC mixtures and identify biomarkers of exposure, thereby generating a solid scientific knowledge base, informing evidence-based policies, and minimising exposures to hazardous chemicals. ENDOMIX will significantly contribute to improving public health and well-being and to alleviating the economic burden of diseases associated with EDC exposure on the healthcare system.
ENDOMIX will significantly contribute to deepening our understanding of EDCs, thus providing a robust foundation for informing policies aimed at their effective management. By empowering individuals with knowledge and strategies to minimise exposure, the project will ultimately lead to improved public health outcomes through the implementation of targeted recommendations and preventive measures.
ENDOMIX addresses critical gaps in understanding the impact of EDCs on human health and the interactions between endocrine disruptors and the immune system, as immune cells play a central role in the development of many chronic diseases such as asthma, allergies, reproductive disorders, and metabolic diseases. By rigorously investigating EDC exposure and its effects across different life stages, the project provides essential insights for policymakers, regulatory bodies, and the public, leading to informed decisions, improved health outcomes, and ultimately, a safer, healthier environment for all.