For example, we have been conducting field surveys as well as laboratory experiments on the endocrine-disrupting chemical substances, so-called "environmental hormones", in coastal waters of our country. We want to clarify whether abnormalities can be actually detected in reproductive organs and endocrine systems of marine organisms, and what kinds of substances and what quantities of these substances could affect the vital mechanism of marine life.
One of the largest-scale experimental equipment in Japan, for the purpose of studying chemical effects of such substances in marine organisms, has been established in our Demonstration Laboratory. We are accumulating experimental data making use of the new equipment.
As for dioxins, We have been conducting the surveys to monitor the concentrations in marine organisms. And we have started studying the bioaccumulation mechanism of dioxins.

Marine organism culture experiment facility

Experimental tanks