Four studies investigate bisphenol (BP) migration from food packaging and human health effects; demonstrate wide presence of 11 bisphenols in polystyrene take-out food containers from China, Canada, and Poland; report material quality influences BPA migration from polycarbonate cups; indicate higher BPA migration from lined cans than plastic packaging into meat based on probabilistic models; find bisphenols A, F, and S induce genotoxic effects and changes in human endogenous retroviruses (HERVs) expression using human blood cells
Researchers argue US regulatory frameworks are outdated, lag behind advancements in toxicology
In an opinion piece in Frontiers in Toxicology experts argue that multiple assumptions made by EPA and FDA are outdated; wrongly assume chemicals are quickly eliminated from the body, testing chemicals individually reflects real-world exposure scenarios; authors call for integrating modern scientific principles like mixture toxicology and endocrinology
Scientists estimate costs of phthalate-associated mortality
Scientific article evaluates mortality in relation to US adult phthalates exposure and quantifies costs; associates phthalate exposure with mortality stemming from all causes, cardiovascular mortality, and a societal cost of $39 to 47 billion per year
Science publishes special issue on “Our Plastics Dilemma”
American Association for the Advancement of Science publishes special journal issue on plastics; includes reviews, perspectives, and news on various components of the plastics value chain; particular focus on waste management technologies that may contribute to a circular plastics economy, effects of plastic pollution on animals and the environment, support for a UN agreement on plastics
Prioritization of unknown substances in FCMs
Learn more about semi-quantitative analysis of unknown compounds in food contact materials with guest speaker from Technical University of Denmark
Polystyrene loophole criticized in EU Single Use Plastics Directive
Perspective article highlights extruded polystyrene loophole in the EU’s Single Use Plastics Directive (SUP); SUP bans expanded polystyrene for single-use applications but not structurally similar extruded polystyrene; manufacturers and retailers can switch to alternate material with little net change to hazard or pollution potential
Reports on India’s challenges with plastics
Report analyzes Indian salt and sugar brands; finds microplastics in all samples; another report addresses plastic waste challenges; suggests stronger regulations and recycling and reuse efforts
Microplastics found in human placenta
Research study finds microplastic in placentas of four healthy women, detected both on the maternal and fetal sides of the placenta, membrane in-between; particles could enter the women’s body through oral or respiratory exposure, potential long-term effects for the fetus to be investigated
Studies assess PFAS, OPEs, and plasticizers in paper & board
Review summarizes per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) migration from paper food packaging into food and food simulants and identifies dietary exposure of PFAS as potential human health risk; study highlights need to further evaluate organophosphate esters (OPEs) and prohibited PFAS in paper and aluminum foil food packaging; scientists analyze and recommend extraction method to assess plasticizers in recycled paperboard
Webinar series on human health impacts of chemical exposures
Collaboration on Health and the Environment (CHE) and University of California launch seven-part webinar series on cumulative impacts of toxic chemicals; aims to educate researchers, health professionals, policy makers, advocates and patients; addresses topics such as infertility, prenatal exposure