Column in The New York Times discusses decreasing sperm quality and fertility in men, explains links to exposure to endocrine disrupting chemicals
Prolonged exposure to BPA after dermal contact
Scientists show uptake and elimination of bisphenol A after dermal contact are slower than after ingestion; findings suggest higher steady state levels after repeated dermal exposures
Regulatory status of non-animal approaches
U.S. NAS workshop suggests comparing non-animal tests to human, not rodent, data, predicts alternatives to soon replace whole-animal tests; ECHA sees “long-way” until regulatory acceptance of alternatives for complex endpoints
Assessing risks of hydrophobic chemicals
Scientists argue that water-focused assessment schemes may misjudge risks of hydrophobic chemicals; sediments, particles, exposure through diet additionally play an important role; contribution of microplastics and nanoplastics uncertain but likely low
New FPF report: Biocides and food contact materials
Food Packaging Forum summarizes the application, regulation and health hazards of biocides
UN outlook for chemicals
United Nations publishes Global Chemicals Outlook report for policy makers; calls for more ambitious actions to minimize impacts of chemicals and waste
Phthalates: FDA considers ban
Group of 10 NGOs file food additive petition to U.S. FDA, requesting banning of 30 ortho-phthalates used as indirect food additives; FDA agrees to reconsider safety decisions
TMBPF as BPA alternative for coating epoxies
Article in Chemical Watch discusses tetramethyl bisphenol F as an alternative monomer to produce bisphenol-based epoxies without endocrine activity
Growing demand for mono-material packaging
Report by Smithers predicts compound annual growth rate of 3.8% for mono-material plastic packaging films on global market; sees fast growth for polyethylene and polypropylene, slow growth for regenerated cellulose fiber, decline for polyvinyl chloride materials
BPA exposure may affect heart health in sex-specific manner
U.S. researchers find heart function and blood pressure in mice to be affected by BPA exposure, females appear to be at increased risk for harm