Scientists debate toxicological relevance of non-monotonic dose responses at low dose levels
Two studies associate microplastic exposure with cancer
Review of occupational health studies finds workplace exposure to polyvinyl chloride (PVC) particles likely induces liver carcinogenicity; research study finds polystyrene nanoplastics to speed up ovarian cancer development in mice
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
Common biocides cause reproductive problems in mice
Quaternary ammonium compounds (QACs) used in food processing plants affect fertility and fecundity
EPA publishes draft report on non-monotonic dose-response, low dose effects
Non-monotonic dose-responses not common, current toxicity testing sufficient concludes US EPA
Third round of UN plastics treaty negotiations conclude
Meeting in Nairobi ends with no consensus on intersessional work needed before next meeting; Scientists’ Coalition for an Effective Plastics Treaty represented by 37 scientists, including team members from the Food Packaging Forum; expanded and revised version of Zero Draft based on member state inputs to be published by December 31, 2023; next round of negotiations to take place in Ottawa, Canada on April 21 – 30, 2024
Microplastics affect gut function and microbiota
Scientists find chronic exposure of mice to polystyrene microplastics affects intestinal barrier function, gut microbiota composition, metabolic indices
Assessing low-dose toxicity of EDCs
New report by the National Academies of Sciences presents strategy to evaluate low-dose effects of endocrine active substances, provides systematic reviews for phthalates and PBDEs
Uncertainty factors in chemical risk assessment
A new scientific review article assesses validity of commonly used uncertainty factors
BPA disrupts regulation of feeding behavior
Scientists show that exposure to low-dose BPA during fetal development interferes with leptin and hypothalamic feeding circuitry, disrupts regulation of feeding behavior, predisposes to obesity in later life