US National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine workshop on October 26-27, 2020 to focus on ongoing research and identify gaps related to impacts of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) on human health; registration is free and open to the public
October 2, 2020
Thresholds for non-intentional PFAS in recycled food packaging
Researches from Iowa State University publish study measuring limits of performance of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substance (PFAS) concentrations in recycled paper food packaging; propose thresholds to define non-intentionally added PFAS for regulatory applications
September 29, 2020
Launch of the Global PFAS Science Panel
Partnership between academic researchers, regulatory scientists, and policy analysts on use and impacts of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS); focus on essential uses, total impacts, options for a global phase-out, call for focus on persistence
September 28, 2020
OECD report on PFAS alternatives for food packaging
Report by Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) investigates market availability and use of alternatives to per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in paper and board coatings; finds non-fluorinated alternatives available and effective, market uptake primarily limited by increase in price
September 24, 2020
New York Times investigates PFAS and pregnancy
Publishes second article in three-part series on hazardous chemical exposure at home; provides overview of research on toxicity of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) to developing fetuses, young children; profiles US families with high PFAS concentrations in drinking water, efforts to restrict uses
September 17, 2020
EFSA final scientific opinion on PFAS in food
European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) publishes final version of its opinion on risk to human health from per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in food; sets group tolerable weekly intake limit of 4.4 ng/kg body weight for four most commonly measured PFAS in humans
September 4, 2020
California considers policy on PFAS in food packaging
US state’s Department of Toxic Substances Control (DTSC) holds virtual workshop to collect input from stakeholders on use of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in plant fiber-based food packaging; suggests it could decide to limit scope of products considered in upcoming policy, draws criticism from advocacy groups
September 4, 2020
EEB PFAS webinar series and overview report
European Environmental Bureau (EEB) hosts series of four webinars in September 2020 featuring presentations from academic experts on per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances; publishes overview report prioritizing fluorotelomer substances, their side-chain fluorinated polymers, fluorinated (poly)ethers
September 3, 2020
Webinar on PFAS testing methods for food packaging
Multi-stakeholder initiative ‘Charting the Path’ investigates current testing methods for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in food service ware and food packaging; discusses recommendations for food service ware, fluorinated chemical standards, and San Francisco ordinance
August 13, 2020
EU notifies C9-C14 PFCA restriction to WTO
European Union notifies World Trade Organization of proposed amendment to REACH Restriction List (Annex XVII) to restrict manufacturing, use, placing on the market and import of C9-C14 perfluorocarboxylic acids (PFCAs), their salts and related substances within the EU; long-chain PFCAs can be present in food contact materials as impurities but also degradation products of long-chain fluorotelomers
