Topics
PFAS
February 18, 2025
During the third inquiry hearing of the Australian Senate Select Committee on per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), drinking water experts and affected community members advocated for broader PFAS ban, upgraded water treatment facilities, investigation into PFAS sources, serious consideration of health impacts
Reading time: 3 minutes
February 4, 2025
Scientists compile open access online database on PFAS applications, functions provided in these applications, and potential functional alternatives; identify 325 PFAS applications, with 40 having suitable substitutions; database enables identification of non-essential PFAS uses
Topics: PFAS
Reading time: 2 minutes
January 27, 2025
Epidemiological study links maternal exposure to per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) with increased risk of childhood obesity; PFAS found to disturb fat metabolism in-vitro inducing conflicting effects during fat cell differentiation; several thousand PFAS predicted to bind to nuclear hormone receptors involved in weight regulation
Reading time: 4 minutes
January 20, 2025
Two new reports from Corporate Europe Observatory and the Forever Lobbying Project on January 14, 2025, describe corporate lobbying against PFAS regulation in Europe; influence on European Commission; use of misleading messaging; true cost of cleaning up PFAS
Reading time: 4 minutes
January 9, 2025
European Council formally adopts the EU’s Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR); sets out targets for recycled content, reuse, and recyclability of food packaging; restricts certain single-use plastic food packaging; bans food packaging containing PFAS above specific thresholds
Reading time: 5 minutes
November 20, 2024
European Commission (EC) implements restriction on PFHxA; includes transitional period of 18 months to 5 years; European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) adds triphenyl phosphate to candidate list of substances of very high concern (SVHC)
Reading time: 2 minutes
September 27, 2024
Japanese ministries propose ban on 138 PFOA-related substances; will be classified as class I compounds; public consultation closes on October 9, 2024, ban will come into force on January 10, 2025; authorities revise testing standards, introduce overall migration test; takes effect in 2025
Reading time: 1 minute
September 19, 2024
Umbrella review analyzes 52 systematic reviews and 759 meta-analyses on plastic-associated chemicals and human health; bisphenols, phthalates, flame retardants, and PFAS were linked to adverse health effects; finds ties to reproductive issues, neurodevelopmental disorders, metabolic conditions, and cancers; research gaps remain, particularly microplastics and newer chemical groups
Topics: bisphenols, chemical exposure, chemical safety, health, PCB, PFAS, plastics, reproductive health
Reading time: 3 minutes
July 19, 2024
Perspective article in Science argues PFAS substitution is urgently needed due to their persistence, hazards, and recent regulatory actions; avoiding “regrettable substitution” and finding suitable replacements requires a strategic approach; PFAS replacements should have an effective functionality, minimal safety issues, and a minimal environmental footprint; open data sharing can accelerate the discovery, development, and implementation of safer alternatives
Reading time: 3 minutes
July 12, 2024
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) establishes Human Foods Program, unifying and modernizing certain functions under one program; implementation set for October 1, 2024; FDA is also monitoring PFAS phase-out, with many states implementing bans, and manufacturers switching to non-PFAS alternatives
Reading time: 3 minutes
