New study finds association between prenatal BPA exposure and body fat outcomes in New York City children
Pre-packaged organic produce
Foodwatch discusses common practice of pre-packaging organic produce in plastic; presents alternatives such as stickers, printing, laser marking
International summit fails to agree on chrysotile asbestos ban
Delegates meet at a joined summit of the Basel, Rotterdam and Stockholm conventions to discuss the phase out of hazardous chemicals
Huffington Post article on plastics and health
Article discusses hazardous chemicals in plastic packaging, highlights unknowns regarding health impacts, complexity of the issue
TSCA reform signed into law
U.S. President Obama enacts bill reforming Toxic Substances Control Act; news providers and health group explain implications of updated U.S. chemicals regulation
UV-328, PFCAs, chlorinated paraffins move closer to global restrictions
17th meeting of the Stockholm Convention’s Persistent Organic Pollutants Review Committee (POPRC) considers scientific evidence, agrees to move all substances onto next step in review process; long-chain perfluorocarboxylic acids (PFCAs), medium-chain chlorinated paraffins, and UV-328 all known to have been used in food packaging
Styrofoam ban discussed in Jamaica
Editorial in The Gleaner discusses a potential ban of plastic and styrofoam food containers in Jamaica
Gaps in risk assessment of nanopigments
EU Observatory for Nanomaterias reviews knowledge on hazard and risk assessment of nano-sized pigments, finds information gaps, calls for further research, increased reporting transparency
NGOs request clarification on nanometal biocides in products
Health and Environment Alliance (HEAL) with 12 other NGOs publish an open letter to European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) , request clarification on regulation and risk management of products treated with nanosilver, zinc oxide, copper biocides; antimicrobial resistance, human health effects unclear
New Indian food packaging regulations
New regulations set migration limits and prohibit recycled plastics in packaging; enter into force in July