UN Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE) publishes printed version of 8th revision of the Globally Harmonized System of classification and labelling of chemicals (GHS); electronic version and additional languages to be released in coming months
Call to invest in cancer prevention
Laura Vandenberg comments on the 2019 State of the Union address by President Trump, points out the need for research and prevention programs focused on the role of environmental exposures in cancer
Commission presents ‘European Green Deal’
European Commission publicly announces new deal to serve as roadmap for making EU’s economy sustainable; includes creation of chemicals strategy for sustainability, zero-pollution action plan, circular economy action plan, farm to fork strategy; timeline for actions published
Guidance for risk assessment of FCMs
EFSA’s proposal for new exposure estimates and next steps explained during 2nd International Conference on Food & Beverage Packaging in Rome
ZWE explains how FCM safety is fundamental to sustainability
Zero Waste Europe (ZWE) report helps businesses understand importance of addressing hazardous chemicals in food contact materials (FCMs), current challenges; shares tools and resources to support decision making; argues that to be truly sustainable, packaging must also be safe for both human and environmental health
Risks of combined exposure to EDCs
Scientists use real-life exposure data to identify EDC mixtures associated with health outcomes, demonstrate that combined exposure to multiple EDCs results in effects not observed with single chemicals at similar levels
EFSA: Plastic pollution in food
EFSA’s CONTAM Panel issues scientific statement on microplastics and nanoplastics in seafood; considers consumers’ exposure to plastic additives and contaminants low and unlikely to be harmful
EDC expert responds to WSJ editorial on BPA
The Wall Street Journal publishes a response letter to recent BPA editorial, BPA is a threat to public health
Investments needed for circular economy
Director of European Chemicals Agency says circular economy will take decades to achieve, heavy investments needed to boost innovation
Danone uses bioplastics for yogurt packaging
PLA packaging estimated safer, cost-neutral and with greater price stability