American Chemistry Council responds to government report on EPA’s progress in chemical evaluation, deems report partially inaccurate
Drinking water source and human antimony levels
A study published in the scientific peer-reviewed Journal of Exposure Science and Environmental Epidemiology assessed human exposure to antimony. Antimony concentrations measured in people showed no conclusive association with drinking water sources, even though antimony is used in PET bottles. Levels in women were higher indicating the need for additional research into possible sex-specific effects.
German campaign to reduce plastic bag use
German NGO starts project against single-use bags, to recommend actions to policy makers, industry and consumers
PFOA and PFOS hazardous to human immune system
U.S. National Toxicology Program publishes systematic review on exposure to PFOA and PFOS and immunotoxicity, concludes that both substances are presumed immune hazards to humans
Report focuses on plastics, EDCs, and health
Guide developed by Endocrine Society and International Pollutants Elimination Network (IPEN) informs public interest organizations and policy-makers about presence of endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) in plastics; explains impacts of EDCs on human health, considers economic dimension
Mapping microplastics in the male reproductive system
Study provides an in-depth look at microplastics in the male reproductive system, analyzes human and mouse samples to chart concentrations and polymer types; finds microplastics in all human testes samples and majority of semen samples; larger plastic particles may get trapped in testis, leading to higher concentrations; identifies correlation between urbanization, home-cooked meals, and body scrub used to microplastics concentration
Microplastics, seafood and human health
Greenpeace UK releases report on microplastics in seafood; compiles most recent academic research; recommends banning mircobeads and generally applying precautionary principle
Many questions surround microplastics, what about micro(bio)plastics?
Literature review of micro- and nano(bio)plastics research; scrutinizes the complexities of micro- and nano(bio)plastics degradation and their toxicological effects; highlights gaps in long-term impact studies and interactions with environmental conditions; challenges the assumption that «biodegradable» means complete degradation; calls for greater transparency in research practices to bolster collective understanding
WHO report on microplastics in drinking water
Microplastics do not currently pose human health risk in drinking water according to World Health Organization; studies however seen as limited and often unreliable; calls for standardization of analysis methods and minimization of plastic pollution
Melamine’s effects beyond kidney
Scoping review identifies potential health effects of melamine other than renal damage, including impacts on neurological functions, behavior, reproduction, and growth