Researchers analyze options to increase recycling rates; laboratory study reports using untargeted migrants analysis as a feasible tool to discern recycled from virgin polyethylene (PE); stakeholder analysis finds equal involvement of all relevant actors needed to improve PET plastic recycling
Vision for sustainable beverage packaging
UK report sets vision for sustainable beverage packaging, identifies eight actions for industry and government
From scientific evidence to policy
Journal PLOS Biology publishes special edition on the effects of chemical exposures on public and environmental health; addresses gap between scientific understanding and regulation of chemicals
Two studies associate microplastic exposure with cancer
Review of occupational health studies finds workplace exposure to polyvinyl chloride (PVC) particles likely induces liver carcinogenicity; research study finds polystyrene nanoplastics to speed up ovarian cancer development in mice
Nanoparticles in FCMs: Benefits and limitations
Scientists discuss the use of nanoparticles in food packaging materials, focusing on gaps in knowledge on their migration, toxicity, influence on biopolymer degradability
Bioassay-based analysis of chemicals in paper & cardboard
Scientific study evaluates presence of hazardous chemicals in methanolic extracts from paper and cardboard food contact materials (FCMs) using several bioassays; finds oxidative stress (52%), genotoxicity (100%), impacts on xenobiotic metabolism (74%), antiandrogenic (52%) and antioestrogenic effects (39%); recommends an effect-based approach for hazard identification of food contact chemicals
EDC criteria for pesticides adopted
EU Commission officially adopts revised EDC criteria for plant protection products; practical application guidance to be finalized in summer 2018; consumer organization wants EDC criteria to go ‘beyond’ biocides and pesticides
New York Times investigates PFAS and pregnancy
Publishes second article in three-part series on hazardous chemical exposure at home; provides overview of research on toxicity of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) to developing fetuses, young children; profiles US families with high PFAS concentrations in drinking water, efforts to restrict uses
Phthalates and their replacements measured in US fast food
Researchers measure phthalates or phthalate-replacing plasticizers in 100% of fast food samples from McDonald’s, Burger King, Pizza Hut, Domino’s, Taco Bell, and Chipotle restaurants in the US; seen as first published data of plasticizer DEHT detected in fast food
Analyzing NIAS in paperboard FCMs
Scientists use effect directed analysis to detect and identify aryl hydrocarbon receptor-active substances potentially migrating from pizza box made of recycled paperboard