U.S. NGO Public Employees for Environmental Responsibility (PEER) calls on Congress to halt the introduction of new per- and polyfluoalkyl substances on the market until more is known about their toxicity and persistence; calls for more studies of cancer risks
Children’s BPA levels higher in summer, among African Americans and at lower age
First study to investigate BPA levels in US minorities and link with phthalate-exposure
How chemical exposures affect great-grandchildren
Magazine reports on transgenerational epigenetic effects, reviews work of leading expert and implications for chemical risk assessment
EDCs affect sperm function
New research shows that mixture of endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) interferes with sperm’s swimming behavior, navigation and ability to penetrate egg cells
Immediate ban on foamware announced by Lagos State, Nigeria
Nigerian states of Lagos and Abia ban single-use polystyrene foam packaging “with immediate effect”; give three weeks to use up current stock; other single use plastic products will be targeted later in 2024; federal Ministry of Environment also banning single-use plastics at headquarters and agencies
BPA and BPS impair fertility
New study shows that BPA and substitute BPS disrupt reproduction of roundworms causing germline apoptosis and embryonic lethality
FPF comments on EU’s broad PFAS restriction proposal
The Food Packaging Forum (FPF) provides the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) scientific information on per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in food contact materials (FCMs) ahead of Risk Assessment Committee meeting; emphasizes concerns about PFAS’ persistence as a multiplier of toxicity; provides data on PFAS detected in and migrating from FCMs
Non-target screening of silicone rubber extracts
Scientists perform non-target screening of compounds extracted from infant silicone teats; identify 140 compounds in 12 categories; more than a third of substances need safety evaluation
Letter from EU Health Commissioner on FCM concerns
European Commissioner for Health and Food Safety responds to CHEM Trust regarding concerns with current EU food contact material legislation, recognizes stakeholder concerns, promises to move ahead with prioritization of harmful substances including endocrine disruptors
Mineral oils in chocolate bars
Foodwatch study finds contamination of chocolate products and potato chips with mineral oils; call for strict limit levels in food and mandatory use of functional barriers