Researchers at University Medical Center Utrecht observe that immune cell death rate triples after contact with microplastics; presents results at Plastic Health Summit in Amsterdam on October 3, 2019
Canada proposes grouping BPA analogues, alternatives
Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) and Health Canada (HC) propose grouping 343 bisphenol A (BPA) structural analogues and functional alternatives under Chemicals Management Plan; request feedback on selection method and grouping until February 17, 2021
BPA in various food products
Environmental Working Group launches database with over 16,000 food products possibly in contact with BPA-containing food packaging
New website on plastics and health
Plastic Health Coalition sets to accelerate collection and communication of knowledge on plastics and their health effects
EFSA evaluates 3 PET recycling processes
EFSA’s CEF Panel considers recycling processes of post-consumer PET safe for all types of foodstuffs except packaged water
EU Council adopts single-use plastic bans
European Council formally adopts new rules on single-use plastics and recycling targets; directive completes final step before becoming law; England to ban plastic straws, stirrers, and cotton buds from April 2020
Bioassays can help to develop safer food packaging
In vitro study assesses hormonal activity of leachates from bio-based polymers used in food packaging; demonstrates integration of toxicity testing in packaging development can help reduce toxicity and design safer bio-based packaging
Opportunities for India to improve EDC management
Article assesses India’s current approach to managing endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs); identifies EDC actions as fragmented and far behind developed countries; proposes actions to move ahead by adopting new modern regulatory framework for managing EDCs, enhancing monitoring, raising awareness, employing public-private partnership programs
Long-term migration from epoxy and acrylic-phenolic coatings
Scientists assess short- and long-term migration from epoxy and acrylic-phenolic can coatings into food simulants; standard migration protocols need to be modified to better predict migration after long-term storage
Effect of phthalates on body fat
New study finds no associations between prenatal exposure to phthalates and percent body fat in childhood