Scientists detect microplastics in every human stool sample collected in eight countries, call for further research to better understand influence on gastrointestinal health
EU Parliament adopts drinking water report
EU Parliament adopts report on EU Commission’s proposal for revision of drinking water directive; increased use of tap water for drinking expected to reduce littering by plastic bottles
Fluorinated chemicals in fast food packaging in U.S.
Scientists demonstrate high prevalence of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) in U.S. fast food packaging; PFOA found despite phase out announced
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
Walmart removes 8 chemicals of concern from products
U.S. retailer Walmart names 8 high priority chemicals its suppliers must phase out and find alternatives for; list includes among others formaldehyde, phthalates, nonylphenol exthoxylates, and parabens
Study finds lack of data on PFAEs
Report from Nordic Council of Ministers reviews public information available for per- and polyfluoroalkylether substances (PFAEs); identifies 394 substances, find more than half do not exist in public chemical databases; limited data on identity, production, and uses
Flame retardants in plastic waste
Study commissioned by Norwegian Environment Agency analyzes brominated flame retardants in post-consumer plastics intended for recycling, finds low levels of commercial decaBDE, HBCD, BDE-209, TBBPA, DBDPE
Break Free from Plastic Pollution Act reintroduced in US
Updated version of bill continues to plan for nationwide extended producer responsibility scheme, minimum recycled content limits, deposit system, single-use plastic bans; new focus on promoting refillable containers, establishing three-year stop on construction of new plastic and chemical recycling facilities
Dietary intake of BPA in the US
New study estimates BPA intake of US adults via diet, canned vegetables are a major contributor to exposure
Fluorotelomers in bio-based paper FCMs
Fluorotelomer alcohols measured in paper FCMs; high levels found in ‘eco-friendly’ bio-based paper packaging; metabolic transformation to hazardous perfluorinated acids possible