High-throughput screening of non-fluorinated aqueous firefighting foam finds they bind to key human protein as done by per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS); suggests non-fluorinated alternatives may have similar toxicity pathway as PFAS
EFSA: Non-monotonic dose response update
EFSA-commissioned review of non-monotonic dose response (NMDR) studies published; four substances relevant to food safety identified with potential for NMDR effects
KH Food Packaging Law Seminar 2019
Keller and Heckman LLP to hold annual food packaging law seminar with China-focused pre-conference workshop in March 2019; registration now open
Regulatory relevance of nonmonotonic responses
Scientists discuss different cases of nonmonotonic dose-response curves and their relevance for regulatory decision-making; nonmonotonicity occurring at low doses challenges current approach to determining low-dose ‘safe’ exposure levels from high-dose toxicity testing
EC report on biodegradable plastics in open environment
European Commission’s (EC) Scientific Advice Mechanism publishes evidence report and scientific opinion, discusses potential benefits and limitations of biodegradable plastics; finds no silver bullet for inappropriate waste management or plastic littering, only for specific applications; appropriate formulation, coherent testing and certification standards needed to realize full potential
Uptake of microplastics on the rise – especially in Southeast Asia
Recent studies explore uptake pathways of microplastics; uptake has increased in recent years; rapidly industrializing Southeast Asian countries more impacted; food packaging responsible for approx. 2.98 × 103 microplastics/person/year; higher exposure for regular consumers of bottled water, tea brewed from plastic tea bags, or ultrafiltered milk
Opinion: TSCA reform must protect public health
Article by health professional Leonardo Trasande outlines opportunities and drawbacks of current bills to reform U.S. Toxic Substances Control Act for protection of human health
Swiss litter report
Stop Plastic Pollution CH releases first nationwide study on plastic and other pollution in Swiss rivers and lakes; plastic items and cigarette butts most frequently found; call on Swiss government to follow EU plastics strategy
Aromatic Mineral Oils measured in chocolate from advent calendars
A German Consumer Protection Agency measures mineral oils at levels higher than 10mg/kg in chocolate from advent calendars and finds some to be contaminated with aromatic mineral oils
Alternative testing strategies for nanomaterials
New OECD document discusses the use of alternative testing strategies in risk assessment of nanomaterials; makes recommendations to advance the field within coming years