Study by the European Human Biomonitoring Initiative (HBM4EU) finds chemical mixture extracts from human placenta with endocrine-disrupting properties, confirming developmental exposure to EDCs in the womb; novel method can help identify the link between chemical exposures and harmful human health outcomes
Report assesses state of transition to circular economy in Europe
European Environment Agency finds transition to circular economy in Europe is lacking in various areas; calls for fundamental change in consumption and resource usage; predicts low likelihood of reaching 2030 targets
Non-standard studies contribute to over half of REACH restrictions
Scientists assess studies used to restrict chemicals under REACH; report data from non-standard studies contribute to the majority of REACH restrictions; 30% of studies the European Chemicals Agency identifies as key to a restriction are not included in REACH registration database; recommend increasing transparency
US states continue to develop local PFAS regulations
Maryland bans intentionally added PFAS in paper and board packaging, disposable plastic gloves by January 2024; Washington State accelerates PFAS Chemical Action Plan, Department of Ecology reported to be hiring more staff to undertake the accelerated timeline; Washingtonians say food related products should be main concern of state’s Safer Products for Washington Program; Vermont considers banning bisphenols in food packaging
NRDC: Most chemically ‘recycled’ plastics in the US are ultimately burned
Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC) evaluates eight chemical recycling facilities in the United States; reports that ‘recycled’ material produced by at least five facilities ultimately gets burned for heat or energy production; six facilities are potentially permitted to release hazardous air pollutants such as benzene, styrene, and arsenic; two US states ease restrictions on chemical recycling facilities
Overview of regulations and risk assessment of EDCs in FCMs
Peer-reviewed article provides summary of migration and risk assessment methods used internationally to address endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) in food contact materials (FCMs); discusses legislative trends, remaining challenges
Analysis finds pesticides, PFAS in plant-based packaging
EU consumer groups find chemicals of concern above recommended limits in single-use tableware made of molded plant fiber or palm leaf, and paper straws; of 57 sampled items, 53% have chemical concentrations above recommended limits, including 100% of molded plant-fiber plates and bowls; per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) present in 66% of articles, pesticide residues in 28%; argues EU must create chemical regulations for non-plastic single-use food packaging
Vitamin D levels affected by BPA and phthalates
Scientists find exposure to bisphenol A and phthalates associated with decrease in vitamin D levels; women affected more than men; implications for public health may concern bone and muscle health, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, cancer
Intentional and non-intentional microplastics targeted by EU ban
European Commission signals that it is preparing a wider set of actions to initiate impact assessment on non-intentional microplastics emissions; would include sources such as car tires, textiles, plastic pellets; stakeholders call for more research to address current data gaps in microplastic toxicity
Maine phasing out PFAS in all products by 2030
US State of Maine passes LD 1503, the most comprehensive PFAS regulation in the United States; manufacturers must report the uses of PFAS in the state; by 2030 all uses of PFAS will be prohibited unless designated “currently unavoidable”; Maine already prohibits PFAS in food packaging