Topics
toxicity testing
October 9, 2023
Two studies investigate microplastic presence or effects in female and male reproductive organs; small cohort study finds low number of microplastics to be present in human amniotic fluid besides the placenta; in vitro and mice in vivo study reports microplastics induce premature testicular aging and identifies underlying pathways
Reading time: 3 minutes
September 26, 2023
Over 20 scientists present a vision for safer food contact materials (FCMs); propose new approach to test all chemicals that migrate from final product for their contribution to highly prevalent chronic diseases
Reading time: 3 minutes
September 21, 2023
Perspective article emphasizes that the “invisible” part of polymers, the oligomers, have been overlooked with the focus being on the “visible” part, the microplastics; urgency to increase knowledge on oligomer properties, environmental behavior, and toxicity given their ever-increasing diversity, quantity, and potential toxicity
Topics: oligomer, toxicity testing
Reading time: 2 minutes
August 31, 2023
Scientists find polystyrene microplastics reduce cell viability, translocate in the body, modify mice behavior, and change their liver and brain immune markers after short-term exposure; effects potentially age-dependent; two reviews summarize nano- and microplastic impacts on fertility and potential implications
Reading time: 3 minutes
August 30, 2023
A summary of eight studies; scientists quantify per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in French fast food packaging; detect eleven PFAS in baking trays from China but not Spain; find PFAS in straws made of paper, bamboo, glass, and plastic; “compostable” service ware can contaminate compost with PFAS; find PFAS in edible oil worldwide; further articles focus on PFAS in drinking water, in Asia, and effects on child respiratory health
Reading time: 10 minutes
August 21, 2023
Review describes how cost and disease burden of endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) can be reduced by policy actions informed by science; recommended solutions include updating testing to account for mixture, cumulative exposure, effects occurring later life; second review summarizes studies linking EDC exposure with immunological and metabolic impacts during pregnancy
Reading time: 3 minutes
August 7, 2023
Four recent studies assess microplastics: in human semen, heart, from baby food containers, and suitability of in vitro models to investigate human health effects; find microplastics in six out of ten semen samples, find impacts on semen quality; samples from cardiac surgery patients contain microplastics in heart and surrounding tissue; billions of nano- and microplastics released from plastic baby food containers; outline challenges and recommendation of studying plastic particles in vitro
Reading time: 5 minutes
August 4, 2023
Studies analyze biodegradable – including compostable – plastics for their in vitro toxicity and chemical composition; comparison with conventional plastics indicates higher toxicity of compostables which further increases with photodegradation and composting; detect brominated flame retardants in “biodegradable”-labeled food packaging
Reading time: 3 minutes
March 7, 2023
Study determines toxicity and composition of 42 silicon rubber food contact articles; finds 84% of silicon kitchenware to induce endocrine activity; review gives update on the known endocrine disruptors phthalates and bisphenols with focus on detection methods and addressing regulatory concerns; study develops and applies method for phthalate determination in vegetable oils
Reading time: 4 minutes
February 27, 2023
Interlaboratory study evaluates protocol for consistent safety assessment of coated metal packaging materials; guidance comprises sample preparation, chemical and biological analysis; finds technical differences affect outcome; emphasizes need for aligned protocol to avoid inconsistencies
Reading time: 2 minutes
