Studies confirm micro- and nanoplastics (MNPs) in human endometrial tissue, amniotic fluid, placentas, and feces of pregnant people; MNP presence in the endometrium is linked with recurrent miscarriages in humans, apoptosis in organoids, and reduced fertility in mice; higher MNPs exposure from seafood and bottled water consumption
Common biocides cause reproductive problems in mice
Quaternary ammonium compounds (QACs) used in food processing plants affect fertility and fecundity
EPA publishes draft report on non-monotonic dose-response, low dose effects
Non-monotonic dose-responses not common, current toxicity testing sufficient concludes US EPA
UN publishes Plastics Treaty zero draft
The «zero draft» is a starting point for discussion and amendments ahead of November’s Plastics Treaty negotiation in Kenya; each proposed treaty element includes options of varying ambition; Part II focuses on elements of plastics’ life cycle, including chemicals and polymers of concern; Option 1 imposes strict limitations, Option 2 mandates minimal usage, Option 3 leaves it to national action plans; Annex A provides potential criteria for determining chemicals and polymers of concern, along with options for development and usage within the Treaty
Microplastics affect gut function and microbiota
Scientists find chronic exposure of mice to polystyrene microplastics affects intestinal barrier function, gut microbiota composition, metabolic indices
Calls for a UN global treaty on plastic pollution
Ellen MacArthur Foundation, World Wildlife Fund, and Boston Consulting Group advocate United Nations (UN) members to establish global treaty; publish report detailing business case, launch call for industry partners to join effort
Assessing low-dose toxicity of EDCs
New report by the National Academies of Sciences presents strategy to evaluate low-dose effects of endocrine active substances, provides systematic reviews for phthalates and PBDEs
Uncertainty factors in chemical risk assessment
A new scientific review article assesses validity of commonly used uncertainty factors
BPA disrupts regulation of feeding behavior
Scientists show that exposure to low-dose BPA during fetal development interferes with leptin and hypothalamic feeding circuitry, disrupts regulation of feeding behavior, predisposes to obesity in later life
New FPF report: Low-dose effects of EDCs
New study reviews low-dose effects of endocrine disrupting chemicals; urges adaptation in chemical risk assessment.