US Environmental Protection Agency (US EPA) reissues risk assessment on perfluorobutane sulfonic acid (PFBS); sets reference doses for chronic exposure of 0.0003 mg/kg body weight/day and sub-chronic exposures of 0.001 mg/kg body weight/day
Recent studies show that MNPs can negatively impact reproductive health
Studies confirm micro- and nanoplastics (MNPs) in human endometrial tissue, amniotic fluid, placentas, and feces of pregnant people; MNP presence in the endometrium is linked with recurrent miscarriages in humans, apoptosis in organoids, and reduced fertility in mice; higher MNPs exposure from seafood and bottled water consumption
Special issue on EDCs and behavior
Special issue of peer-reviewed journal Hormones and Behavior focuses on endocrine disrupting chemicals’ effects on behavior; articles address molecular mechanisms, animal studies and epidemiological observations, discuss specific chemicals including BPA, triclosan, PBDEs, PFASs
Tool for identifying hazardous chemicals
Clean Production Action releases GreenScreen List Translator, a rapid-screening appliance within its GreenScreen tool aimed at companies for identifying hazardous chemicals in products
EFSA evaluates intelligent packaging: time-temperature indicator
EFSA considers time-temperature indicator system safe for use in food contact material, genotoxic potential of ingredient not ruled out
ACC says BPA is safe for use in food contact materials
The American Chemistry Council responds to a new scientific study on the effects of BPA on thyroid function
Plastics in the Environment: Understanding Impacts and Identifying Solutions
Study finds plant-based straws containing PFAS
Article published in peer-reviewed journal Chemosphere analyzes biodegradable paper straws for presence of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS); tests 38 products, finds PFAS in 36, most frequently detects perfluorobutanoic acid, perfluorooctanoic acid and perfluorohexanoic acid; challenges claim of biodegradability of plant-based straws
Opinion: Avoid food packaging, increase fertility
Women’s health magazine reports on the link between failed fertility treatment and phthalate exposure, points to exposure from food containers
Food packaging identified as primary source of aquatic litter
Nature Sustainability publishes research integrating litter inventories from seven aquatic environments around the globe; finds food packaging makes up the largest share of litter in all aquatic environments (50-88%), except the open ocean; of 112 litter types, 10 make up 75% of litter; top 4 items come from food packaging (44% of total): plastic bags, plastic bottles, food containers, cutlery, and wrappers