Special issue of Toxicology and Applied Pharmacology features 18 articles discussing alternative (non-animal) methods for assessing chemicals’ potential to harm neurodevelopment in children
Studies present new generic and specific modeling approaches for FCCs migration
Scientists develop nonlinear model for predicting food contact chemical (FCC) migration and apply it to FCCs of high toxicological concern; emphasize usefulness of their model to speed up migration assessment of FCCs; different group of scientists proposes an innovative modeling approach to assess release of a specific additives and elements from plastic food packaging and steel processing tools
Detecting WEEE contamination in recycled FCM plastics
Scientists propose procedure for detection of contaminants from waste electric and electronic equipment (WEEE) in FCMs made of recycled plastics; call for regular screening to be performed by authorities to ensure compliance
India bans PET for certain pharmaceuticals
India phases out PET and other plastic bottles as packaging for medicinal products for pediatric, geriatric use and for use by women in the reproductive age
Focus on EDC controversy
Health & Environment article outlines debate around 2012 WHO/UNEP report on EDCs; discusses value of state-of-the-science reviews and need for systematic review methods in complex research problems
Parabens increase BPA exposure
Parabens inhibit several biotransformation enzymes involved in steroid hormone metabolism and chemical detoxification; study in mice shows that co-exposure with butyl paraben results in elevated internal levels of estradiol and BPA
Nordic Council checks compliance of products sold online
Inspectors from Nordic countries examine 361 products ordered online for compliance with various EU chemicals legislation; find 53% non-compliant, higher rate of non-compliance for products sold by companies outside of EU; lead, short chain chlorinated paraffins, diethylhexyl phthalate (DEHP) detected most often
Roadmap for EU FCM policy revision
EU Commission’s DG SANTE publishes Inception Impact Assessment as roadmap for revision of EU regulations on food contact materials; outlines eight main “issues” identified during ongoing evaluation, possible policy options to be considered by planned Impact Assessment; commenting period open until January 29, 2021
IARC replies to critiques
IARC scientists reply to critical commentary; point out the importance of hazard classification as an initial step in the risk assessment process, highlight the role of epidemiological evidence
EU observatory for nanomaterials now online
ECHA launches European Union Observatory for Nanomaterials website; provides information on nanomaterials on the EU market for consumers, workers, regulators, and scientists