Nordic Chemicals Program under Nordic Council of Ministers: Investigation of possible vertebrate-like thyroid hormone system sensitive endpoints in invertebrates to be included in OECD tests guidelines.

The objectives of this project is to combine the knowledge of ED experts from DK and SE in the continued investigation of THS sensitive endpoints in invertebrates with the aim of submitting a standard project submission form (SPSF), describing how to include such endpoints into OECD test guidelines and bringing the project officially into the OECD Test Guideline Program. The project research group is highly experienced in the development of OECD TGs with invertebrates due to their comprehensive involvement in the development of the two OECD mollusc reproduction guidelines TG 242 and TG 243. Based on the new scientific evidence obtained after the adoption of TG 242 and TG 243, the Nordic group will continue to investigate possible biomarkers and endpoints for THS-like disruption in invertebrates by using the OECD model species Lymnaea stagnalis because it is plausible (based on the above-mentioned scientific evidence) that such markers could be identified and implemented in OECD TGs for invertebrates. If such markers are implemented in standard OECD TGs, they will provide regulators like national EPAs and the EU with a tool for better protection of invertebrates, which will support general chemical safety as well as biodiversity.