New study investigates phenolic compounds in pregnant women, finds phenols in more than 90% of specimens, specific phenol exposure may depend on ethnic group
Controversy about advice to pregnant women manufactured
NGO Health & Environment reports on reaction to US and UK medical advice to pregnant women on chemical exposures
Studies investigate impacts of EDC exposure during pregnancy
Five studies examine effects following exposure to endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) during pregnancy; report association between bisphenol A (BPA) exposure and preterm birth and decreased gestational age, especially upon exposure in third trimester of pregnancy; find contradicting results on fetal growth impacts from BPA; intake of synthetic progesterone by pregnant women found to double cancer risk of their offspring; propylparaben exposure found to alter mammary gland structure in mice
UN publishes Plastics Treaty zero draft
The “zero draft” is a starting point for discussion and amendments ahead of November’s Plastics Treaty negotiation in Kenya; each proposed treaty element includes options of varying ambition; Part II focuses on elements of plastics’ life cycle, including chemicals and polymers of concern; Option 1 imposes strict limitations, Option 2 mandates minimal usage, Option 3 leaves it to national action plans; Annex A provides potential criteria for determining chemicals and polymers of concern, along with options for development and usage within the Treaty
Science and statecraft at the second Plastics Treaty negotiation
Diplomats from across the globe descended on Paris, France to continue developing the UN treaty on plastics pollution; Scientistโs Coalition for an Effective Plastics Treaty members spoke to delegates from every continent, representing 33% of the worldโs population; UN secretariat will develop INC-2 synthesis report, create zero draft by INC-3; elements for intersessional work can be submitted until August 15, 2023; INC-3 in Nairobi, Kenya in November 2023
Calls for a UN global treaty on plastic pollution
Ellen MacArthur Foundation, World Wildlife Fund, and Boston Consulting Group advocate United Nations (UN) members to establish global treaty; publish report detailing business case, launch call for industry partners to join effort
Scientific challenges in the risk assessment of food contact materials
The 2017 annual Food Packaging Forum (FPF) workshop featured high profile speakers and provided an ideal platform for engaging in inspiring discussions with different stakeholders. The FPF workshop is a unique event in the food contact materials (FCMs) world to get up to speed on recent developments in science, business, advocacy, and regulation. As in previous years, the 5th FPF workshop was also an excellent opportunity for networking. As a novelty, the FPF provided access to a live webcast of […]
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
Plastic container fluorine treatments create PFAS
Scientists from Environmental Defense Fund and Green Science Policy Institute find fluorine gas treatment used on โmillions of polyethylene and polypropylene containers each yearโ including those for food contact; treatment can produce PFAS that migrate from the material