Recycling association, non-governmental organization, and European Commission comment on ways to safely minimize and manage substances of concern in recycling streams during transition to circular economy; Dutch national institute publishes report identifying challenges and recommendations, describes 2050 national goal
Definition and criteria for PSLT substances
Published report presents workshop outcomes; participants agree on definition for poorly soluble low toxicity (PSLT) particles, including titanium dioxide (TiO2); authors call for regulators to reassess current guidelines
Cost of EDCs for female health
Study estimates costs of uterine fibroids and endometriosis linked to EDC exposure to reach nearly €1.5 billion per year
UNEP and EU updates on marine plastic pollution
United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) completes survey of South-East Asian consumers and businesses, finds ‘significant disconnect’ between expectations and actions taken to address plastic waste; European Commission (EC) and European Environment Agency (EEA) publish status reports on marine protection efforts in the EU, show mixed results with increase in plastics contamination
Rethinking chemical safety testing
Nature commentary discusses three approaches towards safer chemicals and products: Standardized chemical safety tests, testing finished products, and publicly disclosing test results
Ubiquitous exposure to phenolic food contact substances
New study investigates phenolic compounds in pregnant women, finds phenols in more than 90% of specimens, specific phenol exposure may depend on ethnic group
EDC criteria for biocides progressing
EU Member States hold final discussion on criteria to identify endocrine disruptors in the field of biocidal products; Commission to adopt proposed criteria soon
Guidance on multilayer films
EU reference laboratory for FCMs publishes practical guidance on the identification of the components in multilayer films used in food contact materials
Experts to discuss FCMs, shelf life and food safety
“Innovations in Food Packaging, Shelf Life and Food Safety” conference to take place in September 2015
Decontamination of recycled polyolefins
Scientists review decontamination of recycled polyolefins, compare it to PET; existing processes need re-examination using high molecular weight surrogate contaminants