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
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
Monomers migrate from plastics, some are EDCs
In a comprehensive review, researchers from the University of South Africa discuss the monomer migration from plastic food packaging, focusing on known endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs); migration process, potential health impacts discussed
‘The trouble with plastics’
Special issue of peer-reviewed journal Birth Defects Research presents a collection of articles on plastics’ effects on human health, with a particular focus on early development
EFSA publishes guidance on chemical grouping for risk assessments
Final version of European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) guidance prioritizes hazard-driven criteria for grouping chemicals; supports human health risk assessments of combined chemical exposures; recommends relying on mechanistic information on toxicity within a weight-of-evidence approach
2022 FPF Workshop: From ideas to action
In the afternoon of the Food Packaging Forum’s annual workshop, speakers discuss changing narratives to make information actionable, share behind-the-scenes of a reuse system running for over 80 years; panels discuss visions, obstacles for a sustainable food system
Denmark plans registry of products containing nanomaterials
Danish EPA launches public consultation phase on draft order, registry not to be publicly accessible