Scientists test 65 chemicals migrating from ‘BPA-free’ baby bottles in a panel of in vitro assays for effects on seven receptors; 12 chemicals show no activity, 53 activate or inhibit at least one of the tested receptors
Forbes: FCMs linked to fecundity problems, new safety laws to come?
Forbes reports on two studies linking BPA and plasticizers to reproductive problems, low dose testing may eventually modify safety tests and laws
Pregnant women to avoid chemicals from food packaging
UK Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists publishes guidance document for pregnant women
EDCs in urine of pregnant women
French human biomonitoring study reveals that most pregnant women have quantifiable levels of EDCs in their bodies
Experts on plastics’ effects urge binding treaty
Scientists with expertise on the effects of chemicals and pollution from plastics urge the United States to support a binding plastics treaty; promote Rwanda and Peru’s resolution as one considering the entire life cycle of plastics
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
EU Parliament debates EDCs
Scientific criteria for endocrine disrupting chemicals will be out before the summer 2016, says EU Commissioner during plenary debate
Brand audits identify top polluters
Report by Greenpeace and Break Free From Plastic names 10 global companies whose products appear to be the biggest contributors to plastic pollution worldwide based on findings from beach cleanups and brand audits
Biodegradable plastics may bring degradation and toxicity challenges, say scientists
In an opinion piece published in Waste Management scientists emphasize there is no universal biodegradability of plastics in any ecosystem; waste collection systems need adaptation and toxicity testing improvements; experimental study finds leachates of biodegradable plastic items affect mussel early embryo stages development and adult physiological parameters