UNEP calls for bolder government regulation of chemicals to boost development of safer compounds and phase out hazardous substances
Ecodesign of plastics
NGO ECOS launches study on ecodesign of plastics; anticipated report seeks to assess available policy tools, identify development needs
Nestlé steps towards packaging commitment
Food and beverage company Nestlé outlines specific steps in reaching its commitment of 100% recyclable or reusable packaging by 2025
Utility of bioassays in safety assessment
Scientists demonstrate utility of bioassays in FCM safety assessment using 4-nonylphenol (4NP) as model substance; 4NP levels detected by bioassays considered relevant for safety assessment
EU policies’ contribution to circular economy
DG Environment publishes roadmap for evaluating contribution of current EU policies to circular economy; public consultation closes June 4, 2018
France updates action plan on EDCs
National draft action plan on EDCs open for consultation; Health and Environmental Alliance submits comments, welcomes initiative
Opinion: recycled content mandates needed
Non-profit organization Reloop comments on EU Commission’s proposal for reduction of environmental impacts of single-use plastics, calls for setting recycled content mandates, high targets for recycling of beverage bottles, EU-wide deposit-refund schemes
Study associates phthalate exposure with postpartum depression
Research article in The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism measures phthalates and other endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) in urine of 139 pregnant women, assesses occurrence of depression four months postpartum; finds detection of phthalates linked to low progesterone levels, association with depression
EDCs impact neurodevelopment across generations
Scientists obtain epidemiological evidence demonstrating adverse effects of EDC exposure on neurodevelopment in humans across several generations
EU roadmap for evaluating EDC regulations
EU Commission opens public consultation on roadmap for reviewing coherence of EU measures on endocrine disrupting chemicals and their effectiveness for protecting public health and the environment; responses accepted until July 10, 2019