European Commission (EC) publishes policy framework on bio-based, biodegradable, and compostable plastics; aims to guide policy, industry, and public; “bioplastics” should not distract from circular economy principles prioritizing reduction, reuse, recycling; 17th annual European Bioplastics conference gives insights into recent bioplastics’ developments; bioplastics production capacities projected to almost triple by 2027
New scientific evidence in the BPA controversy
Under the tongue BPA exposure leads to uptake into the blood via transfer through mouth mucosa skin
New baseline for BPA exposure?
Environmental Health Perspectives reports on new sublingual BPA study, may set new baseline for BPA exposure
EFSA evaluates glass fiber sizing component for FCMs
EFSA’s CEF Panel considers [3-(2,3-epoxypropoxy)propyl]trimethoxy silane safe for making glass-fiber-reinforced plastic food contact materials under certain conditions
More evidence on hazard potential of BPA and BPS
Endocrine Society highlights 3 scientific studies investigating effects of bisphenol A and its common substitute bisphenol S on body weight, liver development, and breast cancer
DEHP disrupts insulin signaling
Scientists find that long-term oral exposure of adult rats to the phthalate DEHP disrupts insulin signaling pathways, resulting in the development of insulin resistance
Opinion: NIEHS' BPA studies irrelevant for public health
Polycarbonate/BPA Global Group of the American Chemistry Council (ACC) criticizes US government funded BPA research
Researchers detect microplastics in human semen and heart
Four recent studies assess microplastics: in human semen, heart, from baby food containers, and suitability of in vitro models to investigate human health effects; find microplastics in six out of ten semen samples, find impacts on semen quality; samples from cardiac surgery patients contain microplastics in heart and surrounding tissue; billions of nano- and microplastics released from plastic baby food containers; outline challenges and recommendation of studying plastic particles in vitro
Scientists meet in Berlin 11-13 September
Experts meet in Berlin 11-13 September to discuss low dose effects and non-monotonic dose responses
EHN: EDCs threaten our health, finances and future
Article published in Environmental Health News (EHN) emphasizes need to innovate towards safer chemicals; argues that companies and investors face significant financial risks if they fail to do so; calls for ‘upending dangerous assumptions’ about low-dose effects and ‘one at a time’ chemical assessments