Nordic Co-operation publishes socioeconomic analysis of environmental and human health impacts from exposure to PFAS; estimates EEA member countries incur 52 to 84 billion Euro in PFAS-related health costs annually
CEFLEX publishes flexible packaging guidelines
Circular Economy for Flexible Packaging initiative (CEFLEX) releases guidelines focused on polyolefin-based flexible packaging; includes recommendations on article’s size and shape, as well as on materials used, including barrier layers, coatings, inks, adhesives
US: lack of funding for public health
NGO publishes report reviewing public health funding and key health facts in the US
OECD report on weight of evidence
Provides guiding principles and key elements to establish weight of evidence approach for chemical assessments; aims to support regulators in following consistent, transparent use and delivery of evidence
Microplastics found in beer
German television program reports on microplastics in beer and mineral waters, association of breweries rejects allegations
WHO report on microplastics in drinking water
Microplastics do not currently pose human health risk in drinking water according to World Health Organization; studies however seen as limited and often unreliable; calls for standardization of analysis methods and minimization of plastic pollution
Estrogenic activity of BPA-free products
New study investigates estrogenic activity of BPA-free polycarbonate plastics used in food contact
ECHA holds online safer chemicals conference
European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) online event features 14 presentations from government agencies and industry associations, retailers; covers topics under the themes of safer chemicals, tracking substances of concern, and harmonized information for poison control centers; slides and recordings available
Bayer may sell plastic business
Bloomberg News reports on potential sale of plastic business by Bayer AG
Why fish mistake plastic for food
New study provides evidence that fish eat plastic debris because it acquires the smell of their food when residing in the ocean