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
Study finds UV stabilizers with endocrine-disrupting potential in plastics
Research study identifies 8 of 13 benzotriazole UV stabilizers (BUVSs) as endocrine disruptors; finds 8 of 9 tested BUVSs in polyolefin packaging
FPF Workshop 2020: FPF year in review
Martin Scheringer reviews the Food Packaging Forum’s work in 2020; discusses scientific consensus statement on food contact chemicals (FCCs) and health, ongoing projects aiming to understand contribution of FCC exposure to chronic diseases of public health concern
Review investigates challenges of assessing NIAS in plastic FCMs
Literature review summarizes challenges regarding non-intentionally added substances (NIAS) in plastic food contact materials (FCMs); describes 52 studies with their applied methodologies for NIAS extraction and identification, plastic types analyzed, and NIAS detected; highlights NIAS assessment as a challenge for scientific community and industry due to lack of hazard data, a missing harmonized methodology, and outdated regulatory guidelines
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
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
How to integrate chemical aspects into the global plastic treaty
Scientists share perspective that all chemicals in plastics need considering in the global plastic treaty also to not hamper technological solutions; recommend key elements to tackle plastic pollution problem holistically including less complexity, as well as more transparency and incentives