Researchers analyze drivers influencing the regulation of substances of very high concern (SVHCs); find fact that substances neither produced nor imported in the European Economic Area to be most important factor for listing a substance as SVHC
No packaging – no waste?
New York Times article reports on grocery stores offering only bulk produce to engage consumers in weighing and measuring the quantities they buy and reduce packaging waste
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
Scientists evaluate inhaled microplastics
Report microplastics occur in lower airways of European citizens with the majority being fibers; evaluate microplastics indoor and outdoor exposure sources; work out established particle domains and paradigms can help predict toxicity of inhaled microplastic particles
Microplastics: linkage to the gut's microbiome and autism spectrum disorder
Scientific study reports that gut passages change polyethylene terephthalate (PET) microplastics morphology and alter human microbial colonic community composition; another study finds polyethylene (PE) microplastics to accumulate in the brain and induce autism spectrum disorder-like symptoms using a mouse model
Denmark limits fluorocarbons in food packaging
Danish Minister of the Environment and Food recommends lowered limit for fluorocarbons in food contact materials
Implementation of EDC criteria for biocides
EU biocides authorities settle how criteria to identify endocrine disruptors for biocides will be realized; criteria to apply from June 7, 2018; ECHA and EFSA prepare final guidance document
In vitro testing of paper and board FCMs
Scientists test paper and board FCMs in 8 in vitro bioassays; all 20 samples showed positive responses in at least one of the assays; chemicals in paper and board FCMs require further investigation to ensure safety
Vote on EDC criteria again postponed
EU Commission’s PAFF Committee discusses EDC criteria but refrains from vote; Member States still in disagreement over Commission’s latest proposal; no new meeting scheduled yet
Vote on EDC criteria scheduled
Next meeting of EU Commission and Member States on revised criteria to identify endocrine disrupters to take place on May 17-18, 2017; vote foreseen despite persisting concerns