In response to a request from the Commission of the European Communities (CEC) in 1982, the ESF became involved in providing independent scientific advice on selected issues in environmental toxicology. This was the first time the ESF was being asked to act in an advisory capacity to CEC on such matters.
Following the decision of the Executive Council in 1983, the small Working Group on Environmental Toxicology (WGET) composed of high-ranking experts was set up to monitor a pilot study financed by the CEC on environmental toxicology.