Published editorial argues exposure to synthetic endocrine disrupting chemicals ’generally negligible’; Le Monde criticizes editorial’s 19 authors’ lack of scientific expertise on EDCs, citation of outdated studies, duplicate publication in eight different journals, undeclared conflicts of interest; EHN article dubs editorial ‘unethical attempt to foster the views of the chemical industry at the expense of human health’
Evaluating the food safety and risk assessment evidence-base of polyethylene terephthalate oligomers: A systematic evidence map
Bayer may sell plastic business
Bloomberg News reports on potential sale of plastic business by Bayer AG
Risk assessing chemical mixtures
European Commission’s Joint Research Centre reviews risk assessments of chemical mixtures for e.g. pesticides, phthalates, and FCMs; identifies need to address mixtures across chemical classes and legislative sectors
Opinion: Shift burden of proof to manufacturers
The Hill commentary suggests shifting burden of proof to manufacturers; stresses the need for protection of vulnerable subpopulations under reformed TSCA
Study reveals knowledge gaps on PET oligomers migrating from FCMs
Scientists investigate available research on hazard and exposure of 34 oligomers in PET for food contact; 74% of them found to migrate; only 38% have been tested for their safety using computer models, while only one was tested for safety in organisms; authors call for further research and better risk assessment
Nature: Debate flares around EDC policy
Science journal Nature reports on the current debate amongst scientists regarding the European Commission’s EDC policy
Plastics in a circular economy: research status, environmental leakage, food safety hazards
Recent studies perform semi-systematic review of published circular economy literature focusing on plastics over past 21 years, develop framework for plastics in circular economy; find Dutch food packaging plastic waste polluting oceans, question effectiveness of recycling; summarize chemical and microbial hazards related to circular food production systems
BPA and prostate cancer risk
CLARITY-BPA academic study confirms increased susceptibility to hormonally induced prostate cancer in rats developmentally exposed to bisphenol A
New database provides 3D structures of EDCs
Freely available “EDCs DataBank” contains three-dimensional structures of 615 molecules, suitable for virtual screening