Taiwanese Environmental Protection Agency developing screening and assessment standards for identification of substances with food safety concerns, high hazard levels, high production volumes; draft list to be released by end of 2019
Index identifies largest single-use plastic producers
Minderoo Foundation publishes “Plastic Waste Makers Index”; identifies 20 firms that produce polymers responsible for 55% of world’s plastic waste; calculates and illustrates global plastic flows from production through to end of life; provides recommendations for polymer producers, investors and banks, policymakers, and other companies along supply chain to enable shift towards circular economy
IARC replies to critiques
IARC scientists reply to critical commentary; point out the importance of hazard classification as an initial step in the risk assessment process, highlight the role of epidemiological evidence
Chemical biomarkers of breast cancer identified
New study points out breast cancer chemical biomarkers for breast cancer epidemiology, biomonitoring and prevention
Crosslinking in polysaccharide and protein polymers
Scientists review crosslinking agents used for polysaccharide and protein films and coatings intended for food contact; crosslinking improves polymer properties such as water resistance; potential migration and toxicity of crosslinkers need consideration
US identified as leading source of plastic pollution
Peer-reviewed study estimates total amounts of mis-managed plastic waste, includes domestic illegal dumping and waste exports to foreign recyclers; finds US produces greatest amount of plastic waste per capita, potentially third largest source worldwide of ocean plastics; recommends reduction of plastic production, product re-designs
Culprit of toxic substances in mineral water identified by manufacturer
Swiss newspaper reports interview with Adelbodner CEO Erich Arter, printing inks on PET caps culprit of toxic substances in mineral water
New FPF report: Hormone active chemical identified in bottled waters
German researchers publish chemical identity of antiandrogen found ubiquitously in commercial water samples
US EPA reissues PFBS risk assessment
US Environmental Protection Agency (US EPA) reissues risk assessment on perfluorobutane sulfonic acid (PFBS); sets reference doses for chronic exposure of 0.0003 mg/kg body weight/day and sub-chronic exposures of 0.001 mg/kg body weight/day
Recent studies show that MNPs can negatively impact reproductive health
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