Non-ortho-phthalate plasticizer listed as Safer Choice chemical, approved by the US Environmental Protection Agency
EU Member States to risk-assess 117 substances in 2017-2019
ECHA and EU Member States propose list of 117 substances to be evaluated for risk to human health and environment; list features 4 substances relevant for FCMs
Green chemistry requires knowledge in toxicology
Green Chemistry & Commerce Council addresses chemists’ lack of toxicology training and resulting impediments for green chemistry at U.S. Congress
Restaurant food likely source of phthalate exposure
New study evaluates NHANES data and finds link between food consumption at restaurants, cafeterias, fast-food outlets and increased urinary phthalate levels
New form of PLA seen as beneficial for application in hot food packaging
Researchers develop a more thermally resistant form of polylactic acid (PLA) plastic; provides clear, tough, and heat resistant material with the potential to expand PLA market application and reduce price
EFSA consultation on chlorinated paraffins
European Food Safety Authority publishes draft scientific opinion on risks posed by chlorinated paraffins in food, opens public consultation until September 17, 2019
Target presents new sustainable packaging goals
U.S. retailer Target announces new sustainability goals for its own-brand packaging, pledges efforts to improve recycling and increase demand for recycled packaging
EDCs, semen quality, and testicular cancer
Editorial in The BMJ discusses parallel trends in semen quality and testicular cancer rates, suggests that EDC exposures could be a risk factor, calls for detailed research on EDCs and male reproductive trends
Assessment of EDC authorizations by ECHA
European Chemicals Agency to work on authorization applications for octylphenol and nonylphenol ethoxylates; both threshold and non-threshold assessment approaches can be considered
Ongoing efforts to prevent plastic pollution
Pacific island Vanuatu to ban single-use plastic bags and bottles to prevent ocean pollution; Press of Atlantic City calls on visitors and residents of New Jersey shoreline to reduce use of plastic convenience items