Scientists investigate plastic particles released from store-bought food packaging as well as human and mice health impacts of exposure; report single-use plastic products release >1012 nano-sized particles during use; find microplastics to suppress lysosomal activity in mouse macrophages; first detection of microplastics within human lung tissue samples; in vitro neurotoxicity study finds microplastics negatively impact human forebrain organoid development
Food Packaging Forum 11th Annual Workshop
Measuring plastic particles released from food packaging and in human lungs
Studies report on oligomer migration from food packaging
Scientists perform migration experiments for oligomer analysis; one study detects eight chemicals including six non-intentionally added oligomers to migrate from multilayer biodegradable teacups; second study reports on oligomer migration from polycarbonate tableware as ‘hidden source’ of bisphenol A (BPA)
Study suggests economic interests influence SVHC listing
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
BPA may be linked to autism spectrum disorder
New study shows BPA is metabolized to lesser extent in children with autism spectrum disorder
FPF Workshop 2019: How to improve FCM law and enforcement in the EU
Konrad Grob criticizes FCM regulation and enforcement in the EU, suggests future actions for improvement
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
BPA linked to increased blood pressure
Study links consumption of canned beverages with BPA lining and acute blood pressure increase
Reusable take-away food packaging outperforms single-use in greenhouse gas emissions, report says
Zero Waste Europe investigates CO2 emissions of reusable and single use take-away packaging; models suggest that switching to reuse results in less emissions for most packaging; includes number of rotations and return rates to reach breakeven point