Ionic silver but no silver nanoparticles migrated from FCMs into food simulants
Chemicals of concern in the circular economy
Scientists find one-fifth of brominated flame retardants’ content in recycling streams is transferred to new products; discuss trade-offs between consumer safety and resource efficiency; European officials maintain toxics can be managed within the circular economy
Tox21 Update
Environmental Health Perspectives reports on Tox21 advances, issues from Phase I to be resolved in Phase II
Study finds plant-based straws containing PFAS
Article published in peer-reviewed journal Chemosphere analyzes biodegradable paper straws for presence of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS); tests 38 products, finds PFAS in 36, most frequently detects perfluorobutanoic acid, perfluorooctanoic acid and perfluorohexanoic acid; challenges claim of biodegradability of plant-based straws
The role of chemicals in the circular economy
Article explains principles of circular economy and highlights problem of increased chemical exposure
8th revision of GHS published
UN Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE) publishes printed version of 8th revision of the Globally Harmonized System of classification and labelling of chemicals (GHS); electronic version and additional languages to be released in coming months
Launch of Plant Based Products Council
New industry council aims to encourage plant-based products, hosts products database containing food packaging alternatives
EPA identifies alternatives for flame retardants
EPA publishes reports on alternatives for the brominated flame retardants HBCD and pentaBDE
EU SVHC-checking app available in 15 countries
App enables consumers to request information from providers on presence of substances of very high concern; launched in 15 EU countries
Plastic tea bags release billions of particles
Researchers measure micro- and nanoplastics released from plastic tea bags during brewing; find over 14 billion particles released per bag, record dose-dependent behavioral and developmental effects on daphnia