New study investigates phenolic compounds in pregnant women, finds phenols in more than 90% of specimens, specific phenol exposure may depend on ethnic group
EFSA working group updates in April 2020
Minutes from recent meetings of the EFSA CEP panel and working groups on BPA, FCMs, and recycling plastics published
EU surveys consumers on nanotechnology
European Observatory for Nanomaterials (EUON) publishes survey that reveals 87% of consumers from five EU countries wish for better labelling of everyday products containing nanotechnology
Website launched on key characteristics framework
New website to serve as information hub on development of key characteristics to help identify hazardous chemicals; includes links to relevant presentations, publications, ongoing research projects
BPA use in metal packaging
Survey by Environmental Working Group shows results for US metal food packaging; 12% of brands use BPA-free coatings; lack of information criticized
Notification of SVHCs to be required under EU waste directive
Amendment to EU waste framework directive foresees obligation for suppliers to notify ECHA of SVHCs present in articles, aims to create transparent and non-toxic material cycles for circular economy
Vermont and California legislation on single-use packaging
Bills in both states aim to curb the use of single-use packaging and products; Vermont bans polystyrene packaging, plastic bags, straws; California to reduce waste from single-use packaging and products by 75%, require recyclability or compostability
REACH exemption of recycling sector checked
The Forum for Exchange of Information on Enforcement (Forum) launches 9th REACH enforcement project (REF-9) and pilot project; examines if SVHCs placed on the market have been authorized, checks practice if registration exception for substances recovered from wastes is compliant under REACH, results are to be expected by 2022.
Transparency and sustainability of EU risk assessment
EU Parliament publishes draft report on proposal by the EU Commission, suggests withholding supporting information until publication of scientific opinion
EFSA publishes final opinion and protocol for phthalates in FCMs
European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) publishes final scientific opinion on prioritization of phthalates used in food contact materials (FCMs), protocol for dietary exposure assessment of prioritized substances; documents remain largely the same as the drafts with addition of a few substances and more clarity on the prioritization process; EFSA calls for information on migration of phthalates and other plasticizers in FCMs, input being accepted from June 1 to November 1, 2022