Scientists review evidence on paraben preservatives acting as estrogenic endocrine disruptors; certain effects observed in animals not confirmed in humans; studies on parabens’ effects on immune and nervous system lacking
April 6, 2018
Phthalates and blood pressure
Epidemiological study finds strong association between exposure to phthalates and high blood pressure in adults, highlights DEHP, DMP, DBEP in particular
April 6, 2018
Prenatal PFAS exposure and smaller babies
Pooled analysis of several European birth cohorts finds association of prenatal exposure to per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances with babies being born ‘small for gestational age’
April 5, 2018
Opinion: More recycling won’t fix plastic problem
Opinion article by The Guardian highlights human health impact of plastic pollution, calls for reducing plastic production and banning classes of hazardous chemicals
April 5, 2018
Toolbox for nanomaterial safety assessment
JRC develops inventory of tools for assessing nanomaterial safety; toolbox freely accessible on JRC’s website
April 5, 2018
U.S. senator to tackle phthalates in food packaging
California senator Dianne Feinstein announces plans to introduce legislation banning phthalates in food packaging, envisages phase-out over next 5 years
April 4, 2018
Focus on PFASs
Ensia article summarizes environmental and health concerns about per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, addresses controversial substitution of long-chain PFASs with short-chain alternatives
April 4, 2018
UK to introduce bottle deposit system
UK government announces introduction of deposit return scheme for single-use drinks containers made of plastic, glass, metal; planned scheme subject to consultation later in 2018
April 3, 2018
China authorizes new substances for food contact
Chinese National Health Commission approves 4 substances for use in coatings and as adhesive, expands use of 2 existing food contact chemicals
April 3, 2018
EFSA working group on phthalates: 2nd meeting
EFSA’s CEF Panel working group on phthalates reassesses safety of DBP, BBP and DEHP for food contact plastics; updated meeting minutes now available online
