Two studies investigate micro- and nanoplastics measured in foods; review the range of reported values and diversity of study methods; make suggestions to standardize research methodologies; one study outlines additional standards the micro – nanoplastics research community needs to develop in order to assist regulators
FPF Workshop 2020: Lessons learned from Clarity-BPA
Laura Vandenberg gives overview of CLARITY-BPA project; compares results of guideline and academic studies; concludes that lowest BPA dose had effects across organs
BizNGO annual meeting 2018
Business and environment collaboration BizNGO holds annual meeting on December 4-5, 2018, in Berkeley, U.S.; registration now open
US states continue to develop local PFAS regulations
Maryland bans intentionally added PFAS in paper and board packaging, disposable plastic gloves by January 2024; Washington State accelerates PFAS Chemical Action Plan, Department of Ecology reported to be hiring more staff to undertake the accelerated timeline; Washingtonians say food related products should be main concern of state’s Safer Products for Washington Program; Vermont considers banning bisphenols in food packaging
Chronic PS nanoplastics exposure found to impact mitochondrial health, impairing cell metabolism
New study examines long-term effects of polystyrene (PS) nanoplastics on mitochondrial health under realistic exposure conditions; repeated exposure to PS nanoplastics impaired mitochondrial function and cell differentiation process, possibly linked to metabolic disorders, such as diabetes and obesity; other recent studies found that PS micro- and nanoplastics negatively affect immune function, pregnancy outcomes, and gut health in various models
SEA of Solutions Week and Plasticity Conference
UN Environment hosts first annual conference week focusing on plastic pollution on November 11-15, 2019 in Bangkok, Thailand; themed days to focus on different discussion topics; event aims to become key exchange platform on the issue
FPF Workshop 2020: Proceedings available
8th annual Food Packaging Forum workshop focuses on linking policy-making with scientific research to improve the safety of food contact materials; video recordings, presentation slides, and summary articles now available online
Chicago approves plastic bag ban
Full City Council approves ban of single-use plastic bag; comes into force in August 2015
Le Monde and EHN scrutinize science and authors behind recent EDC editorial
Published editorial argues exposure to synthetic endocrine disrupting chemicals ’generally negligible’; Le Monde criticizes editorial’s 19 authors’ lack of scientific expertise on EDCs, citation of outdated studies, duplicate publication in eight different journals, undeclared conflicts of interest; EHN article dubs editorial ‘unethical attempt to foster the views of the chemical industry at the expense of human health’
Opinion: FDA concludes prematurely on BPA’s safety
NRDC scientists comments on FDA conclusion regarding BPA’s safety; undermines BPA safety research