Topics
PFAS
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
July 8, 2024
Three recent studies explore the chemical safety of bio-based food contact materials (FCMs); current analytical methods fail to detect all hazardous substances in bio-based FCMs, in vitro bioassays are suitable addition; Dutch "eco-friendly" FCMs often contain non-biodegradable components and substances like pesticides and PFAS; migration of allergens found
Reading time: 4 minutes
June 5, 2024
Washington state Department of Ecology publishes list of seven new priority chemical groups for future regulatory scrutiny as part of the Safer Products for Washington program; includes lead, cadmium, and formaldehyde; earlier in 2024, Washington passed the strongest regulation on lead in cookware in the US
Reading time: 2 minutes
