Scientists report evidence suggesting that immune reactivity to BPA bound to human tissue proteins may contribute to neurological autoimmune disorders
Walmart responds to increase in use of priority chemicals
US retailer reports 1% increase in footprint across its product assortment from 2017 to 2018; aims to achieve 10% reduction by 2022; plans to finish analysis and publish most recent data later this year
Green Alliance: Europe must halve resource consumption by 2050
UK think tank’s report shows culprits of current approach to resource management, suggests solutions, advocates for target to half resource consumption by 2050; provides roadmaps for specific sectors and strategically important materials; recommends identifying and setting interim goals to encourage investments in sustainable business models and infrastructure
New York Times investigates PFAS and pregnancy
Publishes second article in three-part series on hazardous chemical exposure at home; provides overview of research on toxicity of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) to developing fetuses, young children; profiles US families with high PFAS concentrations in drinking water, efforts to restrict uses
2018 retailer ranking published
Non-profit organization Safer Chemicals, Healthy Families releases annual retailer report card; restaurant chains make insufficient efforts to remove hazardous chemicals from food packaging
California modifies draft circular economy bill
State lawmakers adapt proposed legislation on single use packaging and recycling following stakeholder discussions, keep target for 75% recycling rate by 2030, add language regarding material neutral treatment and use of a stakeholder advisory panel
EFSA risk assessment of chlorinated paraffins
European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) publishes assessment and outcome from public consultation, finds insufficient data to complete robust exposure assessment and risk characterization; no health-based guidance value defined
EC publishes Circular Economy Action Plan
European Commission’s new plan includes specific aims to simplify packaging materials, reduce unnecessary packaging use, set mandatory requirements for recycled content, remove hazardous chemicals from product life cycles; timelines for individual initiatives published
Costco screens products for hazardous chemicals
U.S. retailer Costco launches testing of consumer products for chemicals of concern; list of target chemicals and long-term goals of screening program not disclosed
Australia publishes guidance on chemicals in food contact articles
Defines registration process for chemicals in food contact articles under new national regulatory scheme; requires additional testing of specific target organ toxicity and record-keeping of migration levels