Technical University of Denmark contributes to 2 new Horizon 2020 research projects focused on endocrine disruptors, reproductive health, thyroid hormones; to begin in 2019 and run for 5 years
Consultation on risk management of nanomaterial uses
ProSafe project asks experts for input on risk management and innovation of nanotechnology
Framework developed to support safe-by-design nanomaterials
Scientists create set of 17 questions to help innovators consider potential risks to human health posed by nano-sized products or materials during the innovation process, aiming to guide development and identify safety issues already at early design stages
UN publishes Plastics Treaty zero draft
The “zero draft” is a starting point for discussion and amendments ahead of November’s Plastics Treaty negotiation in Kenya; each proposed treaty element includes options of varying ambition; Part II focuses on elements of plastics’ life cycle, including chemicals and polymers of concern; Option 1 imposes strict limitations, Option 2 mandates minimal usage, Option 3 leaves it to national action plans; Annex A provides potential criteria for determining chemicals and polymers of concern, along with options for development and usage within the Treaty
FCM regulatory and waste management updates from South and Southeast Asia
Malaysia proposes revision of allowable uses for eleven chemicals, including seven used in food contact material (FCM) applications; Vietnam’s revised Law on Environmental Protection comes into effect, launches nationwide extended producer responsibility scheme for domestic producers and importers; Global Alliance for Incinerator Alternatives publishes report that chemical recycling plant in Indonesia, launched by Unilever in 2017, was “secretly shuttered” after two years; Sri Lanka proposes plastic pellets be classified as dangerous goods during maritime shipping
Human exposure to marine plastic pollution
New in-depth article discusses human exposure to and potential health effects of plastics in marine food chain
When the dose does not make the poison
Scientists comment on first proposal to integrate non-monotonic dose response in chemical risk assessment framework
Prioritization of potential genotoxics in FCMs
Learn more about prioritization of potentially genotoxic substances in printed paper and board food contact materials with guest speaker from Sciensano
No higher limit for PBDEs in recycled plastics
EU Parliament adopts POPs Regulation Recast but rejects amendment to increase maximum concentration limit for persistent organic pollutants such as polybrominated diphenyl ethers in recycled plastics
Member States continue discussion on EDC criteria
DG SANTE publishes latest meeting minutes on revised EDC criteria; no agreement yet among Member States