European Commission invites food contact material stakeholders to discuss recycling processes, migration test guidelines and CoE resolutions
Focus on the circular economy
In-depth article in C&EN discusses the circular economy, addresses management of hazardous chemicals; extensive background articles available in recent Nature special
Endocrine effects of parabens
Scientists review evidence on paraben preservatives acting as estrogenic endocrine disruptors; certain effects observed in animals not confirmed in humans; studies on parabens’ effects on immune and nervous system lacking
EU Parliament’s draft resolution on plastics
EU Parliament’s Environment Committee publishes draft resolution on EU strategy for plastics in circular economy; deadline for tabling amendments May 3, 2018
Health costs of PFAS estimated
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
BPA may be tied to polycystic ovary syndrome in adolescent girls
Study finds that adolescent girls with polycystic ovary syndrome have increased serum BPA levels
Advancing recycling of paper cups
Industry initiative “Paper Cup Manifesto” aims to improve recovery and recycling of paper cups
Denmark moves ahead with PFAS ban in FCMs
Ministry confirms cardboard and paper food contact materials (FCMs) in the country will not be allowed to contain per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) after July 1, 2020; exceptions will be made for FCMs with a functional barrier that prevents migration into food
US: lack of funding for public health
NGO publishes report reviewing public health funding and key health facts in the US
In vitro test can predict nanosilver toxicity in vivo
Nanosilver found to be toxic and induce inflammation to the liver in vivo and hepatocytes in vitro