Zero Waste Europe (ZWE) publishes results of analyzed urine samples from 52 European decision-makers and public figures; tests for 28 chemicals commonly used in single-use plastic food packaging, shows average of 20 detected in each person; calls for decision-makers to prioritize public exposure to food contact chemicals
Ortho-phthalates and Bisphenol A and Their Alternatives in Food Packaging
South Korea to prohibit BPA and phthalates in FCMs for children
South Korea notifies WTO of intended ban on bisphenol A, dibutyl phthalate, benzyl butyl phthalate in food contact materials for infants and young children
The role of epidemiology in risk assessment: A case study of five ortho-phthalates
Effects of phthalates on reproductive function in young Swedish men
Swedish researchers find link between prenatal exposure to DEHP and DiNP and lower semen volume in adolescent males
EC meeting discusses future FCM regulation
European Commission (EC) holds meeting reviewing draft regulatory texts for 15th and 16th amendment of plastics regulation 10/2011 and for plastic food contact materials (FCMs) recycling regulation; contemplates regulatory options for novel FCMs including plastics with bamboo fibers; presents specific updates and timelines for future work
Restaurant food likely source of phthalate exposure
New study evaluates NHANES data and finds link between food consumption at restaurants, cafeterias, fast-food outlets and increased urinary phthalate levels
Chemicals used to produce PET cause cells to store fat, say scientists
Study investigate correlation of starting substances to manufacture polyethylene terephthalate (PET) with obesity; report these para-phthalates to alter adipogenesis in vitro at nanomolar concentrations; consider ascertaining their safe levels a high priority
Phthalate exposure and health impacts
Four scientific articles report on phthalate exposure sources and impacts; diet partly explains urinary phthalate levels in adolescents and children surveyed in the US and New Zealand; review of reviews summarizes human health impacts; finds studies on women “generally underrepresented”; study indicates three phthalates affect human oral health
“Should I worry about plastics?”
BBC2 report investigates chemical exposure from plastic food packaging and consults with leading toxicologists; likely no concern for average adults; reducing plastic use recommended