World Health Organization (WHO) report assesses human exposure to micro- and nanoplastics via inhalation and diet as well as potential health implications; finds available data of limited use for risk assessment
Endocrine-active chemicals in baby bottles
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
Starbucks to trial compostable cups
Coffee company and coffeehouse chain Starbucks announces trialing of recyclable, compostable cups in several U.S. cities; NGO highlights need for change in consumer behavior, advocates for more reusable cups
Microplastics impact oyster fertility
New study finds micro-polystyrene to disrupt feeding pattern and reproduction in oysters; exposed molluscs had fewer and more slowly growing offspring
Oligomers in PEF polyester
Scientists find ‘abundant’ oligomers in polyethylene furanoate, identify 20 circular and linear oligomer species sized <1000 Da; exact quantities of migrating oligomers to be determined in future investigations
PFOA and PFOS hazardous to human immune system
U.S. National Toxicology Program publishes systematic review on exposure to PFOA and PFOS and immunotoxicity, concludes that both substances are presumed immune hazards to humans
IARC: Styrene ‘probably carcinogenic’
International Agency for Research on Cancer concludes that styrene and styrene-6,8-oxide are ‘probably carcinogenic to humans’
FPF comments on EU BPA restriction
Food Packaging Forum (FPF) submits comments to the European Commission on the restriction of bisphenol A in food contact materials; supports the proposed regulation; advocates for shorter transition periods, broader coverage, and development of more advanced detection methods
Sulfated BPA a major metabolite in fetal blood
Scientists measure BPA metabolites and BPA alternatives in paired maternal and fetal cord blood; find low but significant levels of BPS; fetus’ level of total BPA metabolites higher than mother’s; BPA-sulfate higher than BPA-glucuronide
DEHP and male reproductive health
New research finds reproductive abnormalities in male mice prenatally exposed to DEHP and their succeeding generations; 3rd generation effects most pronounced at lowest exposure dose