Scientists, policy analysts, and healthcare workers from around the world announce formation of the Minderoo – Monaco Commission on Plastics and Human Health; Commission plans to analyze plastic’s health impacts and develop science-based solutions to protect human health until March 2023
Free BPA detected in human serum samples
U.S. round robin study looks into contamination sources of BPA in human biomonitoring studies
FPF Workshop 2017: Toxicological assessments and migration testing
Experts from academia, food industry and authorities present scientific and practical challenges in toxicological assessments and migration measurements
Chemical characterization of post-consumer and recycled plastics
Scientists perform target and non-target screening of recycled plastics and provide recommendations on methods; detect >280 organic chemicals and metals in 21 plastic flakes and pellets used in recycling; analyze several recycled polymers and find polyethylene terephthalate (PET) the only one currently complying with European circular economy requirements; compare analytical methods to assess the chemical composition of recyclates giving their strenghts and limitations
Microplastic effects on colon cells, blood lymphocytes, and gut-liver axis
Two in vitro studies analyze plastic particle effects using human cells; find polystyrene (PS) particles change metabolism of human colon cells similar to a carcinogen; PS nanoplastics may have cytotoxic and genotoxic potential on human blood lymphocytes; mouse study indicates microplastics increase risk of insulin resistance; researchers calculate particle ingestion from takeaway containers
Phthalates: 'Safe' levels may not be protective of human health
New peer-reviewed scientific study by the Food Packaging Forum and academic scientists shows regulatory ‘safe’ limits for human exposure to phthalates may be set at levels not sufficiently protective of human health; analysis reviews 38 human health studies; highlights need for revising current approach and to re-assess the safety of chemicals already on the market
Unexpected SVHC phthalate metabolite found in humans, including children
German biomonitoring study finds mono-n-hexyl phthalate in majority of samples, indicating widespread exposure to substance of very high concern (SVHC) di-n-hexyl phthalate or related compounds; sources of exposure currently under investigation; contribution of food contact materials to human exposure possible, but only limited data available
Mineral oils: Toxicity, exposure possibly underestimated
Scientific study compares accumulation of mineral oil saturated hydrocarbons (MOSH) in rats to humans; findings imply that current acceptable daily intake for MOSH may be set too high and current human exposure is underestimated
Reviews on effects of micro- and nanoplastics in vitro and in vivo
Literature reviews summarize in vitro and in vivo studies on micro- and nanoplastics; report on various exposure and adsorption pathways and toxic effects of plastic particles; human health impacts to be evaluated under realistic exposure scenarios
Global plastic waste management and emissions
Using data from over 50,000 municipalities, with machine learning to fill gaps, global model estimates 52 million tons of plastic were released into unmanaged waste systems in 2020; report led by Arnika investigates effects of waste incineration on the environment and human health