News Article

Safety of DEHCH

EFSA assesses safety of bis(2-ethylhexyl)cyclohexane-1,4-dicarboxylate (DEHCH) for use as plasticizer in PVC; concluded to present no safety concerns; uncertainty remains about bioaccumulation potential in humans

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State of the science and regulation – microplastics and nanoplastics

California State Policy Evidence Consortium and DG Environment publish reports on the abundance, health effects and (potential) regulations on microplastics and nanoplastics, respectively; first finds most regulations come from California or EU and concern banning microbeads or mandating more research; second argues against a lower size cutoff of nanoplastics since the smaller the plastic particles, the more likely they can cross biological membranes

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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