New series of infographics by the Health and Environmental Alliance focuses on presence of chemicals in food contact materials, toxicity, plastics, and health effects; launched in connection with the Plastic Health Summit on October 3, 2019
October 2, 2019
Spanish biomonitoring study on plastic exposure
Published study investigates concentrations of 15 phthalates and 12 phenols in urine samples from 20 adults, finds highest concentrations of monoethylphthalate and methylparaben, all phthalates detectable in all adults
October 2, 2019
ECHA recommends 18 SVHCs for authorization
European Chemicals Agency recommends 18 substances of very high concern for addition to the authorization list, includes six food contact chemicals
October 1, 2019
Plastic tea bags release billions of particles
Researchers measure micro- and nanoplastics released from plastic tea bags during brewing; find over 14 billion particles released per bag, record dose-dependent behavioral and developmental effects on daphnia
October 1, 2019
EFSA working group updates: September 2019
Minutes from recent meetings of the EFSA working groups on BPS, BPA, FCMs, phthalates, and recycling plastic available
October 1, 2019
Zero Waste Europe webinar on chemical recycling
Webinar on November 12, 2019, to address techniques within chemical recycling, provide comparison with mechanical recycling, review current state of the technology and existing policies; includes speakers from Plastic Energy and DG Environment
October 1, 2019
Webinar on REACH requirements for nanoforms
European Chemicals Agency hosts webinar on November 12, 2019, to explain definition of nanoform, approaches to building sets of similar nanoforms, new REACH data requirements
September 30, 2019
UK publishes report on bio-based FCMs
Report reviews published scientific and grey literature for existing materials marketed for food contact; expects current risk assessment methods to be appropriate or adaptable, notes limited existing research on materials made from agri-food by-products and their potential risks
September 30, 2019
Workshop on synergies between REACH and EU FCM laws
CHEM Trust organizes workshop in Brussels with EU governments and regulatory experts; discusses roles REACH data could have to support FCM safety, challenges of chemicals in non-harmonized FCMs; presentations and detailed minutes published to support ongoing discussions
September 30, 2019
BfR warns against contaminants from azo dyes in FCMs
German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment measures migration of 4 chemicals associated with azo dyes in paper food contact materials; finds migration levels to exceed estimated safe intake levels; recommends materials containing the substances be avoided until more toxicity data available