18th meeting of the Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs) Review Committee recommends global elimination of the UV stabilizer known as UV-328 under the Stockholm Convention; time limited exemptions proposed for some current uses; Convention will review the proposal for finalization in May 2023
EU committee against EDC thresholds, calls for bans in FCMs
European Committee of the Regions (CoR) publishes resolution on European Green Deal; advocates against setting safe threshold levels for endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs), calls for a ban on bisphenols and phthalates in all food contact materials (FCMs)
Opinion: European Commission running behind on EDCs
Consumer groups urge European Commission to act on endocrine disruptors
Commission opens call for biochemical research
European Commission launches new research partnership, first call for research into bio-based materials
Microplastics in sea salt
Researchers find microplastic particles in commercial sea salts from different countries; human intake estimated to be low; more research needed to assess health risks
Sweden to propose BPA analogue as SVHC
Swedish Chemicals Agency will propose 4,4′-isobutylethylidenediphenol as substance of very high concern to avoid regrettable substitution of bisphenol A
EFSA finds polymeric active substance safe for food contact
EFSA evaluates new active substance as liquid absorber in food packaging
Madrid Statement on PFASs
Scientists reach consensus regarding the persistence and potential for harm of PFASs
Key characteristics for identifying hazardous chemicals
Martyn Smith from UC Berkeley presents on the development of sets of key characteristics to help identify hazardous chemicals; international working group of experts focuses on carcinogens, male and female reproductive toxicants, expanding work on other toxicants
IdentiPlast 2019 conference
Conference on recycling and recovery of plastics brings together 340 participants from across plastics supply chain and public authorities; discussions focus on technical aspects of improving plastic waste management