Research study finds microplastic in placentas of four healthy women, detected both on the maternal and fetal sides of the placenta, membrane in-between; particles could enter the women’s body through oral or respiratory exposure, potential long-term effects for the fetus to be investigated
Study finds microplastics induce reproductive toxicity in male mice
Study investigates reproductive toxicity of environmental concentrations of polystyrene (PS) microplastics to male mice; further examines underlying molecular mechanism; study is first to find long-term PS microplastic exposure affects sperm quality and testosterone levels in mice
Action and inaction on PFAS in the US federal government
Earthjustice files petition asking US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to revoke approval of 600 per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) allowed on the market under exemptions of the Toxic Substances Control Act; represents about half the number of PFAS on the market; EPA extends reach of guidelines for federal purchasing of PFAS-free products; Food and Drug Administration funding bill stripped of reform amendments including federal ban on PFAS in food packaging
Implementation of EU circular economy plan
EU Commission evaluates implementation of its circular economy plan; all 54 actions outlined in 2015 ‘have now been delivered or are being implemented’
EU court confirms BPA as SVHC for endocrine effects on wildlife
Industry association PlasticsEurope loses third court case challenging legal classification of bisphenol A (BPA) as substance of very high concern (SVHC); EU General Court supports European Chemicals Agency’s recognition of BPA’s endocrine disrupting effects on wildlife
Survey shows European consumers lack information about food contact articles
European Consumer Organisation (BEUC) surveys EU consumers on experience, knowledge, and attitude on food packaging; consumers feel under informed; 90% of consumers support stricter rules to prevent health effects; recommends overhaul of EU food contact policies
Scientists review state of edible films and coatings
Two new reviews investigate types, properties, and application of edible films and coatings applied on food; reuse of food waste to protect fresh food; addition of nanomaterials identified to further increase mechanical and barrier properties of edible films
FCMs topic at EU parliamentary committee
EU Parliament’s Environment Committee exchanges views with the EU Commission on the regulation of food contact materials, requests quicker results and urges for more transparency
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
Prioritization of NIAS for risk assessment
Scientists propose strategy to prioritize non-intentionally added substances detected by non-targeted screening in paperboard FCMs for risk assessment based on exposure estimates and in silico predictions of toxicity