Removal of persistent contaminants from waste water under research in EU projects
John Oliver’s Last Week Tonight features plastics
Last Week Tonight episode focuses on plastic recycling, reports only nine percent of all plastics recycled, functioning systems only established for polyethylene terephthalate, polyethylene; discusses Basel Convention restricting plastic waste trade, criticizes misleading closed-loop recycling claims; recommends targeted bans, introducing extended producer responsibility schemes
3M launches PFAS resources website, offers free reference standards
Website compiles previously published studies related to lab measurements, field testing, and remediation of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS); reference standards for four PFAS mixtures can be ordered by research institutions in the U.S.
EFSA working group on FCMs: 27th meeting
Updated meeting minutes of EFSA’s CEF Panel working group on food contact materials now available online
15th amendment to EU plastic FCM regulation published
European Commission publishes final text further amending Regulation 10/2011 on plastic food contact materials and articles; includes introduction of approved use of new substances, updates specific migration limits, allows for migration testing of entire food processing equipment
Safer materials for food packaging
Report by venture capital fund Safer Made identifies innovation needs for safer food packaging, aims to connect companies and investors
Cost of EDCs for female health
Study estimates costs of uterine fibroids and endometriosis linked to EDC exposure to reach nearly €1.5 billion per year
Clean Oceans Initiative
European Investment Bank and two other financial institutions launch Clean Oceans Initiative offering long-term financial support to projects aimed at waste recycling and waste prevention
Lobbying in food safety discussions at FDA
FDA to prioritize private interest groups over public interest groups discussing safety issues
Scientists propose basis for managing PFAS as single class
International group of scientists publish peer-reviewed article presenting arguments for managing all per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) as a single chemical class; recommend allowing only essential uses, applying class-based approach for clean up efforts, setting exposure limits for all PFASs instead of for individual chemicals