Studies analyze biodegradable – including compostable – plastics for their in vitro toxicity and chemical composition; comparison with conventional plastics indicates higher toxicity of compostables which further increases with photodegradation and composting; detect brominated flame retardants in “biodegradable”-labeled food packaging
Study characterizes chemicals present within recycled products
Scientific study characterizes chemicals contained in 210 consumer products made of recycled or virgin material regarding identity, functional use, structural class, and origin and prioritizes chemicals; 65% of chemicals with greater concentrations in recycled materials, along with a higher number of flame retardants, biocides, dyes, and fragrances in recycled materials
Modeling of migration from LDPE
Scientists determine key parameters for modeling migration of benzophenone and several other contaminants from low density polyethylene into food simulants and foodstuffs; propose revision of worst-case scenario values
PET monomer terephthalic acid perturbs benign breast cells
New study shows terephthalic acid to have estrogenic effects and induce DNA damage
PFAAs and DDE may affect thyroid hormone levels
Prenatal exposure to PFAAs and DDE may be associated with T4 levels in infants, Dutch study shows
Marketplace for chemical alternatives
Non-profit organization ChemSec launches new online resource aimed to facilitate advertising and finding commercially available substitutes to hazardous substances
JRC: New nanomaterial platform
European research center releases online nanomaterial platform, integrates information currently dispersed across the web
The chemical and waste footprint of food delivery in China
Study uses online food delivery sales data from nearly 200 Chinese cities, combined with packaging samples from 18 of those cities to model packaging waste generation and chemical exposure from waste incineration; some degradation products with higher concentrations than intentionally added parent product; over 50 tons of the targeted additives likely released into the atmosphere from Chinese waste incinerators
China approves new FCMs, additives, resins
National Health Commission announces newly approved additives for food contact materials (FCMs), expanded FCM uses, and resins for use in plastics and coatings
FDA adds 7 substances to food contact inventory
U.S. Food and Drug Administration adds 7 new entries to Inventory of Effective Food Contact Substance (FCS) Notifications