Nanomaterials in waste streams

Non-profit organizations call for better control of manufactured nanomaterials in waste streams in declaration with over 80 signatories worldwide

Focus on BPA analogues

Recent studies investigate effects of bisphenol A analogues such as BPS and BPF, reveal similar endocrine disrupting effects of analogues in cell lines and whole organisms

BPS may be adipogenic

Scientists show BPS treatment, similar to BPA, results in increased lipid accumulation and higher expression of adipogenesis-related genes in primary preadipocytes

EFSA working group on FCMs: 12th meeting

Updated meeting minutes of EFSA’s CEF Panel working group on FCMs available on EFSA’s website

Quantification of metal migration

EU reference laboratory for FCMs tests different methods for quantification of metals migrating from plastics and ceramics into acidic food simulants

Phthalates: FDA considers ban

Group of 10 NGOs file food additive petition to U.S. FDA, requesting banning of 30 ortho-phthalates used as indirect food additives; FDA agrees to reconsider safety decisions

Phthalates and fast food

New study analyzes NHANES data and finds association between high fast food consumption and increased urinary phthalate levels

Scientific meeting on EDCs

German institute for risk assessment hosts closed expert meeting on endocrine disruptors; meeting results to be published in scientific journal

SIN list update

ChemSec adds 18 new substances of very high concern to SIN List; update includes 2 UV-filters permitted in packaging inks; all substances already included in REACH Candidate List

Update: BPA proposed as SVHC

France plans two-step submission of proposals to classify BPA as a substance of very high concern; carcinogenic, mutagenic, and reprotoxic potential to be addressed by August 2016; endocrine disrupting properties to follow in February 2017