Microplastic experts review mammalian in vivo effect studies and develop non-regulatory health-based screening level value for microplastics in drinking water; scientists provide research recommendations to better understand microplastic toxicity, effect levels, and potential health risks to humans and aquatic ecosystems; review discusses nanoplastics’ role in food allergy
Thailand introduces standard for fluoropolymer coated cooking utensils
Thai Industrial Standards Institute publishes updated standard for metal, fluoropolymer coated utensils in contact with hot foods; standard borrows from EU overall migration test methods for plastic materials and ISO standards; comes into force April 2, 2023; Thai ministries introduce tax incentive to reduce fossil-plastic use
Draft EU directive on single-use plastics leaked
EU Commission’s draft proposal to reduce plastic pollution plans banning certain single-use plastic items, making producers pay for clean-up and recycling, requiring EU Member States to collect plastic bottles
Researchers propose Global Plastic Pollution Observation System
Environmental Science and Technology publishes paper proposing the establishment of the Global Plastic Pollution Observation System; would assist evidence-based policymaking by standardizing data collection on plastic pollution in atmospheric, terrestrial, and aquatic ecosystems; serve as “umbrella” by partnering with existing programs and initiatives at multiple scales
US FDA and EPA publish requests for information on PFAS
US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) asks for information on the use of fluorinated polyethylene for food contact and dietary exposure due to migration; US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) seeks responses to specific questions to help form PFAS strategic action plan; FDA comment period open until October 18, 2022, and EPA period until August 29, 2022
New study finds US baby boomers unhealthier than previous generation
Baby boomer generation found to suffer more from chronic disease, and have lower self-rated health despite improved health care and longer life expectancy
Phthalates and their replacements measured in US fast food
Researchers measure phthalates or phthalate-replacing plasticizers in 100% of fast food samples from McDonald’s, Burger King, Pizza Hut, Domino’s, Taco Bell, and Chipotle restaurants in the US; seen as first published data of plasticizer DEHT detected in fast food
Washington State: Alternatives assessment for PFASs in FCMs
U.S. state Washington to start alternatives assessment for per- and polyfluorinated substances in paper food packaging; deadline for comments on assessment proposal is December 4, 2018
Sustainable future without EDCs
US scientists propose a sustainable approach towards chemical safety assessments in order to protect future generations from EDC exposures
Guidance document for PMT/vPvM substances
German Environment Agency (UBA) provides updated guidelines for identifying substances that are persistent, mobile, and toxic (PMT) or very persistent and very mobile (vPvM); finds 260 REACH registered substances meet set criteria, prioritizes 122 for further investigation