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How the Scientists’ Coalition brings independent science to policymakers

A perspective article explains why the Scientists’ Coalition for an Effective Plastic Treaty was formed and how it works; the Scientists’ Coalition employs a multi-faceted communication approach including a media strategy to reach all relevant stakeholders; member scientists must declare any conflicts of interests and publish peer-reviewed research related to plastic pollution

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Studies investigate impacts of EDC exposure during pregnancy

Five studies examine effects following exposure to endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) during pregnancy; report association between bisphenol A (BPA) exposure and preterm birth and decreased gestational age, especially upon exposure in third trimester of pregnancy; find contradicting results on fetal growth impacts from BPA; intake of synthetic progesterone by pregnant women found to double cancer risk of their offspring; propylparaben exposure found to alter mammary gland structure in mice

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Microplastics in food: occurrence, source, detection, and perception

Three studies investigate microplastics in foods; review summarizes particle migration from food packaging into honey and calls for universal analysis methods; research study presents analytical method to detect and identify microplastics in certain foods; survey finds public seems unaware of food packaging as microplastic source and seldomly connects microplastics with human health consequences

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UNEP: Over 3000 chemicals of concern in plastics

Technical report from the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) informs about “chemical-related issues of plastic pollution and options to address them”; finds 13,000 chemicals present in plastic; 7,000 have hazard data of which 3,200 are chemicals of concern; outlines chemical groups, use sectors of concern, human and ecosystem exposure, gaps and improvement options including substitution and waste management in a circular economy

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Plastics identified as source of legal liability

Minderoo Foundation finds liabilities from the health and environmental effects of microplastics and plastic-related chemicals to be worth more than $20 billion in the US by 2030; potentially up to $100 billion in liabilities expected by 2030 with the number expected to increase in the future; article published by the American Bar Association focuses on potential corporate liabilities from micro- and nanoplastics in particular

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Study maps intentionally added substances in plastics

Scientists investigate plastic monomers, additives, and processing aids for their chemical identity, use, and hazard classification; identify >10,000 chemicals; 24% categorized as substances of potential concern of which the majority is not currently subject to management measures; emphasize information gaps regarding substance properties and uses

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Packaging could be involved in spreading novel coronavirus

Study led by U.S. National Institutes of Health finds SARS-CoV-2 virus remains on plastic and stainless steel for up to three days, cardboard up to one day; raises concerns regarding packaging as a potential vector for spreading the virus, potential need to wash or quarantine packaged products at home

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TSCA and confidential business information

Court finds that U.S. EPA needs to revise substantiation required for companies to claim confidential business information under Toxic Substances Control Act; Environmental Defense Fund calls for new consultation on proposed rule