Toxics in Packaging Clearinghouse (TPCH) announces model legislation update, suggests regulation of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) and ortho-phthalates, stricter limits for heavy metals
Studies discuss EDC sources, exposure, and human health effects
Scientific studies investigate human endocrine-disrupting chemical (EDC) exposures and effects; Canadian study finds bisphenols migrate from baby bottles and sippy cups; reviews report of widespread presence of bisphenols, parabens, and benzophenones in human breast milk and addresses current misunderstandings about the impacts of EDCs on child health
BPA and fetal malformations in humans
Italian researchers showed that mother’s reduced ability to metabolize BPA may be associated with fetal malformations
Scientists detect microplastics in human veins, colon tissue, and urine
Small pilot study analyzes saphenous vein tissues from five individuals and detects 15 plastic particles/g tissue indicating transport of plastic particles within human tissue; review concludes more research needed to elucidate the potential carcinogenicity of micro- and nanoplastics; researchers find potential connection between colorectal cancer and microplastic exposure level; preliminary study report microplastic presence in four out of six urine samples 15 plastic particles/g of tissue
The NORMAN Suspect List Exchange (NORMAN-SLE): facilitating European and worldwide collaboration on suspect screening in high resolution mass spectrometry
Washington State bans PFASs in food packaging
Governor of U.S. state Washington signs bill into law banning the use of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances in food packaging by 2022 if alternatives can be found by 2020
Amazon’s safer chemicals policy
Amazon is the first primarily e-commerce retailer to publish chemicals policy and restricted substances list
Pre-packaged organic produce
Foodwatch discusses common practice of pre-packaging organic produce in plastic; presents alternatives such as stickers, printing, laser marking
Warning signs for BPA in Connecticut
Connecticut considers bill requiring labeling food packaging containing BPA
Vermont and California legislation on single-use packaging
Bills in both states aim to curb the use of single-use packaging and products; Vermont bans polystyrene packaging, plastic bags, straws; California to reduce waste from single-use packaging and products by 75%, require recyclability or compostability