Study links phthalates and lower cognitive ability in infants

New research study investigates phthalate levels in urine from pregnant women and cognitive abilities of 159 infants, find associations between high levels of phthalate exposure and slower information processing, especially in boys; determines that associations can be found much earlier than previously thought

Study finds 109 industrial chemicals in pregnant women

Scientists publish study in Environmental Science & Technology detecting 109 industrial chemicals in blood samples from 30 pregnant women and newborns, includes 55 chemicals never-before reported in humans; higher socioeconomic status correlates with relatively higher exposures to some chemicals; detected 42 chemicals for which no information on use was available

Green Alliance: Europe must halve resource consumption by 2050

UK think tank’s report shows culprits of current approach to resource management, suggests solutions, advocates for target to half resource consumption by 2050; provides roadmaps for specific sectors and strategically important materials; recommends identifying and setting interim goals to encourage investments in sustainable business models and infrastructure

UNWRAPPED Project releases FCM factsheets

Zero Waste Europe announces publication of nine factsheets as part of the UNWRAPPED Project; developed to help communicate human health risks associated with chemicals in food packaging; experts call for industry and policymakers to limit single-use packaging, take precautionary approach towards hazardous chemicals in food packaging

US FDA adds seven new substances to FCS inventory

US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) adds seven new entries to its Inventory of Effective Food Contact Substance (FCS) Notifications

We Choose Reuse campaign publishes open letter

Break Free from Plastic announces open letter as part of ‘We Choose Reuse’ campaign, demands strong political action to set up successful reuse systems; highlights current challenges such high investment and operating costs; will be delivered to officials on June 16, 2021

As You Sow: Investments in plastics may become stranded assets

Civil society organization As You Sow releases report investigating financial risks of shifting investments from fossil fuels to petrochemical sector, including plastics; finds $400 billion at risk of becoming stranded assets, relies on rising demand in low-income countries; neglects climate impacts, plastic pollution, circular economy goals; advises investors to re-evaluate risks and take action

EU MEP calls for removing hazardous chemicals in FCMs

Belgian Member of European Parliament (MEP) Frédérique Ries publishes article urging European Commission to follow-through in restricting hazardous chemicals in revised food contact materials (FCMs) regulation; criticizes REACH restricted chemicals still being allowed for use in FCMs

ECHA seeking experts to join RAC and SEAC

European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) announces call for experts to join its Committee for Risk Assessment (RAC) and Committee for Socio-Economic Analysis (SEAC); roles to support chemical risk assessments, chemical substitutions and alternatives analyses, socio-economic analyses; applications accepted until May 7, 2021

Germany notifies WTO of MOAH restrictions

German authorities notify World Trade Organization (WTO) about intention to restrict mineral oil aromatic hydrocarbons (MOAH) in food contact materials and articles made from recycled paper and board; sets migration limits into food (<0.5 mg/kg) and food simulant (<0.15 mg/kg); will come into effect three years after publication