Scientists find ‘abundant’ oligomers in polyethylene furanoate, identify 20 circular and linear oligomer species sized <1000 Da; exact quantities of migrating oligomers to be determined in future investigations
U.S. EPA: Final nanomaterials reporting rule
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency issues final rule on nanomaterials reporting to come into effect May 2017
Studies report on bisphenol exposure and health effects
Review summarizes plastic-associated bisphenol A (BPA) sources, exposure, and human health risks; dietary bisphenol exposure via packaged food consumption in Saudi Arabia is potential human health concern; review discusses bisphenols’ effects on the cardiovascular system and recommends human-relevant studies with bisphenols other than BPA; consensus scoring analysis identifies endocrine-disrupting food contact chemicals potentially interacting with nuclear receptors
Scientists measure mixtures of EDCs from human placenta
Study by the European Human Biomonitoring Initiative (HBM4EU) finds chemical mixture extracts from human placenta with endocrine-disrupting properties, confirming developmental exposure to EDCs in the womb; novel method can help identify the link between chemical exposures and harmful human health outcomes
Study integrates PFAS into life cycle assessment
Researchers create framework to consider the impacts of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in life cycle assessment (LCA); develops impact characterization factors within USEtox model; finds that even low PFAS emissions can have large effects on LCA results
Implementation of EDC criteria for biocides
EU biocides authorities settle how criteria to identify endocrine disruptors for biocides will be realized; criteria to apply from June 7, 2018; ECHA and EFSA prepare final guidance document
Addressing ambiguity to improve the management of polymers
Researchers identify systematic ambiguity within CAS labeling framework as hampering public oversight on chemical safety; outline set of recommendations to close data gaps and increase transparent communication
Diabetes cases reach 382 million
Press agency Reuters reports on diabetes epidemic, expected rise of 55 % until 2035
Sweden has wide support in the court case on EDC criteria
Sweden took EC to court due to failure to adopt EDC criteria by the end of 2013, case now gained support of European Parliament and Council along with Member States
Plastic recycling: Future scenarios and behavioral influences
Five articles discuss future recycling and/or consumer waste sorting; outline future recycling technologies and recycled plastic applications; identify gaps between recycling technologies and targets of multi-material multilayer plastic packaging; find consumers wrongly dispose bioplastics and that packaging design affects sorting behavior; show single-use bag bans able to increase recycling contamination