DEHCH deemed safe as additives in PVC for food contact; comes into effect 20 days after publication in EU’s Official Journal
ClientEarth: EU Commission delays decisions on chemicals
New study by ClientEarth finds that decisions by European Commission on use of substances of very high concern are ‘delayed unreasonably’ in most cases
Public consultation on bio-based, biodegradable, and compostable plastics
European Commission (EC) opens a public comment period on biobased, biodegradable, and compostable plastics; consultation will advise EC during development of new policies for these plastics; three areas of particular focus: sustainability of feedstocks, verification of biodegradation claims, and “widespread confusion” among consumers on terms and proper disposal routes; comment period open until March 15, 2022
Opinion: Commission blocked EDC criteria
EurActiv reports that Commission president impeded endocrine disruptor criteria and other environmental legislation initiatives
JRC Symposium compares microplastic analysis methods
European Commission’s Joint Research Centre (JRC) symposium summarizes current approaches for microplastic monitoring; research institutions present results of 4 inter-laboratory microplastic analysis comparison studies; no ‘one-size-fits-all’ analytical method, presenters emphasize need for harmonization; Commission outlines policy needs
Industry association complains to EU Commission about French BPA ban
PlasticsEurope concerned that French BPA regulation will disrupt the EU market
Microplastics detected in human breastmilk and mice fetal thalamus
Two studies assess fetal and infant exposure to plastic particles and impacts on mouse fetuses; detect microplastics in 26 out of 34 human breastmilk samples; report polystyrene particles negatively impact mouse fetuses
DEHP affected reproductive function in female mice
Prenatal exposure to diethylhexyl phthalate increased male-to-female sex ratio, altered ovarian morphology and caused some breeding abnormalities
Microplastics affect gut function and microbiota
Scientists find chronic exposure of mice to polystyrene microplastics affects intestinal barrier function, gut microbiota composition, metabolic indices
Mineral oils: Toxicity, exposure possibly underestimated
Scientific study compares accumulation of mineral oil saturated hydrocarbons (MOSH) in rats to humans; findings imply that current acceptable daily intake for MOSH may be set too high and current human exposure is underestimated