Sublingual absorption leads to free BPA in serum of test animals, delivers plausible explanation for previous human biomonitoring findings
New study shows novel effects of low dose BPA exposures
Early life exposures to low doses of BPA studied in mice and linked to significant dose-dependent changes in animals’ biochemical response
What should be included in UN Plastics Treaty negotiations?
International negotiators prepare for first meeting to negotiate the UN treaty to end plastic pollution; scientists, civil society organizations, and governmental bodies publish reports proposing suggestions for what and how to negotiate; many reports support including controls on chemical additives as part of the treaty
RIVM studies argue applied maximum doses too low
Researchers from Dutch National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM) publish two peer-reviewed articles critically reviewing determination and application of maximum doses in toxicity studies; find that recent toxicity studies increasingly using unjustified low maximum doses, call for more clarity in testing guidelines
Regulatory relevance of nonmonotonic responses
Scientists discuss different cases of nonmonotonic dose-response curves and their relevance for regulatory decision-making; nonmonotonicity occurring at low doses challenges current approach to determining low-dose ‘safe’ exposure levels from high-dose toxicity testing
Microplastics can lead to behavioral changes in mice
Scientists find polystyrene microplastics reduce cell viability, translocate in the body, modify mice behavior, and change their liver and brain immune markers after short-term exposure; effects potentially age-dependent; two reviews summarize nano- and microplastic impacts on fertility and potential implications
Standardizing Benchmark Dose (BMD) calculations
New study assesses reliability of standardized Benchmark Dose calculations, more dose groups and lower number of animals make for better BMD model
Adverse health effects of low-dose mixtures
Scientists evaluate health effects of a mixture of 27 environmental chemicals in rats exposed to low concentrations comparable to current human exposure levels; find effects on weight, histology, gene expression in the liver, and metabolome of blood plasma
Stakeholders prepare for the second Plastics Treaty negotiation
United Nations Environment Program (UNEP), industry organizations, scientific research groups, and civil society organizations publish flurry of reports and policy briefs in preparation for second meeting of the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee on Plastic Pollution (INC-2); meeting takes place in Paris, France May 29 – June 2, 2023
Risk assessment of EDCs: Exposure route questioned
Researchers publish review discussing oral dosing via gavage for risk assessment of endocrine disrupting chemicals; criticize human risk assessment requirements for relevant exposure route