Researchers find high levels of plastic particles in arctic ice, may be released with global warming
Aggregate exposure assessment for BPA
Scientists discuss aggregate exposure assessment for bisphenol A; source-to-dose (forward) and biomonitoring-based (backward) calculation resulted in similar estimates; 90% of exposure comes from diet and the remaining 10% mainly from dermal exposure
Renewable carbon for sustainable chemical industry
Position paper by nova-Institute highlights why chemical and plastics industry should switch to renewable carbon sources and illustrates how this could be achieved
Utility of bioassays in safety assessment
Scientists demonstrate utility of bioassays in FCM safety assessment using 4-nonylphenol (4NP) as model substance; 4NP levels detected by bioassays considered relevant for safety assessment
Melamine’s effects beyond kidney
Scoping review identifies potential health effects of melamine other than renal damage, including impacts on neurological functions, behavior, reproduction, and growth
Regulation drives substitution of SVHCs
ECHA-commissioned study shows that REACH is important driver for substitution of hazardous chemicals in the EU; more resources and infrastructure required; education on substitution, collaboration within supply chains need improvement
EFSA conference on transparency in risk assessment
EFSA invited stakeholders to discuss transparency and open access data in risk assessment
Measuring trade-offs between packaging waste and food waste
Australian Fight Food Waste Cooperative Research Center surveys consumer perceptions of packaging’s role in encouraging or preventing food waste; United Nations Environment Program (UNEP) breaks down results from 33 life cycle analyses comparing packaging and food waste; makes structured recommendations for when packaging or food waste costs are higher based on food type, consumer and regulatory support, and strength of local waste management systems
Links between EDCs and neurodevelopment
Scientific paper reviews EDCs that may have significant effects on neurodevelopment, identifies research gaps and future directions
EFSA EREN: Identifying emerging risks
Overview article describes outcomes of EFSA’s emerging risks exchange network (EREN) from 2010-2014, strategy for dealing with emerging risks in food safety