Scientists summarize the knowledge on the combined contribution of low-dose chemical exposures to carcinogenesis, identify research gaps, recommend novel methodologies for research and risk assessment
Extranuclear actions of EDCs at low doses
Scientists review molecular mechanisms underlying low-dose actions of estrogenic EDCs, focusing on extranuclear signaling; BPA effects in pancreas and heart mediated through alpha, beta, and membrane-associated forms of estrogen receptor
Polystyrene microplastic and intestinal tissue
Experimental study examined uptake and effects of polystyrene microplastic on human intestinal cells and on mice; finds no relevant acute health risks to mammals
Reactions to EU EDC criteria
Industry, environment and health groups, as well as science community mostly express criticism and disappointment over European Commission’s proposal for EDC criteria
Mapping microplastics in the male reproductive system
Study provides an in-depth look at microplastics in the male reproductive system, analyzes human and mouse samples to chart concentrations and polymer types; finds microplastics in all human testes samples and majority of semen samples; larger plastic particles may get trapped in testis, leading to higher concentrations; identifies correlation between urbanization, home-cooked meals, and body scrub used to microplastics concentration
Carcinogenicity of ‘cocktails’ highlighted
Series of new studies finds mixtures of everyday non-carcinogenic chemicals to be of concern for causing cancer; individual chemicals present at low levels; opportunity for improvement of chemical risk assessment and primary prevention of cancer
US and France release statement supporting UN plastics treaty
At the One Ocean Summit on February 10, the United States and France delivered a joint statement supporting a global plastics treaty; agree treaty should address whole lifecycle of plastics and include binding commitments
Can phthalates make you fat?
New study investigates metabolic effects of DEHP exposure in mice in vivo and in vitro; increased weight gain and fat mass, impaired insulin tolerance and changes in serum metabolites observed
Plastic recycling: company commitments and chemical safety challenges
Scientists report most large companies commit to reducing plastic pollution but focus on recycling; extrusion of recycled materials and legacy compounds in recycled materials as safety challenge; some substances increase others decrease with the increase in recycled content in polyethylene terephthalate (PET) bottles; tentatively identify 212 volatile chemicals in 57 different recycled PET flakes available in China; present migration model to characterize the exposure and risk of PET oligomers
EFSA: Draft opinion on NMDR open for consultation
European Food Safety Authority’s (EFSA) draft opinion reviews literature on assessment of non-monotonic dose responses (NMDRs), finds lack of standards for statistical approaches; suggests stepwise approach for ambiguous ‘apparent’ NMDRs; approach applied in two case studies finds no NMDR for bisphenol A (BPA) but does for di(2-ethylhexyl)phthalate (DEHP); open for comments until February 4, 2021