Austrian environmental protection organization finds infant feeding bottles to be BPA free but contaminated with other controversial chemicals, such as benzophenone.
PFAS-Tox Database launched
Collaborative group of universities and NGOs publishes PFAS-Tox Database; publicly available resource provides systematic evidence map covering 742 toxicity studies on 29 per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS); features dozens of studies on ‘purportedly safer’ PFAS; findings show adverse health impacts studied for wide range of PFAS; experts call for class-based management of all PFAS
Six classes challenge
Science editorial presents the “Six classes challenge” – a campaign calling to reduce the use of hazardous chemicals in products, focusing on entire classes rather than individual chemicals
11 US states considering to ban PFAS in food packaging
Safer States releases analysis on anticipated US toxic chemical regulation; 27 states considering policies across more than 180 bills, primary focus on per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS); 11 states could eliminate PFAS from food packaging
Reports highlight reuse benefits and plastics recycling shortcomings
International Pollutants Elimination Network (IPEN) report details current recycling schemes; concludes waste management techniques not “capable of alleviating” the growing plastic pollution crisis; recommends government actions to reduce plastic production; Break Free From Plastic follows up on 215 packaging commitments from top plastic pollution producing companies: 18 projects with no information after press release, few projects lessen plastic production; Upstream compares single-use and reusable service ware for environmental impact and business cost, finds “reuse wins”
Review discusses contaminants in canned food
Scientists summarize literature on chemicals in can-packaged food including metals, plastic-associated chemicals, and furans; report generally low contaminant levels but a lack of non-targeted and suspect screenings; find canning steps, internal and external factors to influence contaminant levels
Interindividual variability in chemical risk assessment
National Academies of Sciences hosts meeting on differences in how humans respond to environmental stressors, implications for chemical risk assessment; webcast available
PFOA in drinking water
New report by Environmental Working Group suggests that exposure to PFOA might not be safe at any level
EC launches public consultation on microplastic pollution
European Commission (EC) initiative aims to reduce the release of microplastics into the environment; specifically focuses on expanding research on risks from microplastics contamination in food and water and reducing risks to humans from environmental contamination; consultation open until May 17, 2022
More information on PFHxS needed
Report by Norwegian Environment Agency finds “lack of available information” on production and use of PFHxS; substance possibly used in food packaging