Zero Waste Europe compares three packaging life cycle assessment (LCA) studies; two are industry-funded, one is published by a university; finds that industry funding introduces heavy biases when making assumptions about reuse systems; also finds industry-funded reports lack transparency in methodologies
Occupational exposure to BPA
Scientists measure urinary BPA in workers from industries that use or manufacture BPA; find on average 70 times higher levels compared to general public
California adds BPA to list of reproductive toxicants
California scientific expert panel decided to add BPA to the list of chemicals known to cause reproductive harm, NRDC applauds while ACC disagrees
Scientists concerned about FDA’s conclusions on BPA safety
Academic scientists criticize U.S. FDA’s premature conclusions on safety of bisphenol A based on draft CLARITY-BPA core study report; academic studies within CLARITY-BPA will elucidate more sensitive effects on endocrine system
What should be included in UN Plastics Treaty negotiations?
International negotiators prepare for first meeting to negotiate the UN treaty to end plastic pollution; scientists, civil society organizations, and governmental bodies publish reports proposing suggestions for what and how to negotiate; many reports support including controls on chemical additives as part of the treaty
Civil society organizations introduce new certification program for reusable food packaging
Standard aims at improving chemical safety of reusable food contact articles and reducing plastic waste; involves rigorous testing and transparency of ingredients used in the packaging
Aggregate exposure assessment for BPA
Scientists discuss aggregate exposure assessment for bisphenol A; source-to-dose (forward) and biomonitoring-based (backward) calculation resulted in similar estimates; 90% of exposure comes from diet and the remaining 10% mainly from dermal exposure
Media analysis of BPA controversy
Media analysis finds BPA controversy unabated, identifies main topics and influencers of the debate
EFSA working group updates in March 2020
Minutes from recent meetings of the EFSA CEP panel and working groups on bisphenol A, FCMs, and recycling plastics published; 13th CEP Panel plenary meeting on April 28-30, 2020 open to observers, registration open until April 24
BPA an environmental endocrine disruptor
ECHA’s Member States Committee supports Germany’s proposal to classify BPA as substance of very high concern (SVHC) due to endocrine disrupting properties with probable effects in the environment