Study finds up to 6000 particles/L to be released from disposable drinking cups; scientists estimate humans ingest 37,613–89,294 microplastics through plastic cups use per year; study suggests consumption from plastic containers changes human gut and oral microbiota composition; review concludes that uptake of microplastics carrying pathogens may impact human health
German TV channels sound a note of caution regarding plastic food packaging materials
2 German TV channels broadcasted programs in February investigating the use of chemicals in plastic food contact materials
Second study finds microplastics in human placenta
Clinical study investigates 10 microplastic types in human placenta and meconium; detects polyethylene, polypropylene, polystyrene, and polyurethane in the samples; highlights that evaluation and control of potential contamination is crucial
UBA measures plasticizers in German rivers
Study by German Environment Agency (UBA) scientists reports concentration of 23 plasticizers in major German river basins, finds significant increases of di(2-propylheptyl) phthalate (DPHP), voices concern that total environmental burden from plasticizers has not changed since mid-2000s
Estrogenic activity of BPA alternatives
Study assesses estrogenicity of bisphenol A and 6 bisphenol analogues in human breast cancer cell model; all bisphenols show estrogenic activity; 3 bisphenols more potent than BPA
How to manage PFASs in FCMs?
Report by Nordic Council of Ministers summarizes existing knowledge on fluorinated substances in paper and board food contact materials, presents options for reducing consumer exposure
Biomonitoring provides insights into nonylphenol exposure in Germany
Retrospective analyses of urinary nonylphenol (NP) levels in German students over past 30 years demonstrate omnipresence of NP exposure; scientists recommend using NP metabolites as biomarkers for NP exposure assessment; analysis points to foodstuff as major exposure source
Recycling industry launches ‘RecyClass’ platform
Plastics Recyclers Europe introduces online tool ‘RecyClass’ to assess recyclability of plastic packaging, aims to combine knowledge of recyclers and packaging producers to improve packaging design for recycling
NGOs encourage citizens to comment on EDC criteria
Online platform launched to simplify participation in EC’s public consultation on EDCs
Multiple cell types testing to reduce inter-laboratory variability
New study reviews in vitro toxicity of engineered nanomaterials, carbon nanotubes and titanium dioxide cause lung injury