New study estimates BPA intake of US adults via diet, canned vegetables are a major contributor to exposure
Parabens increase BPA exposure
Parabens inhibit several biotransformation enzymes involved in steroid hormone metabolism and chemical detoxification; study in mice shows that co-exposure with butyl paraben results in elevated internal levels of estradiol and BPA
Studies review human exposures and effects of micro- and nanoplastics
Three studies investigate micro- and nanoplastics – source, organ deposition, and reproductive effects; detect up to 240,000 plastic particles/L in bottled water with 90% being nanoplastics; find microplastics in human lung, intestine, and kidney tissues; polyethylene particles found to affect placental function in mice
Philippines bans BPA in baby bottles
Food and Drug Administration of the Philippines issues ban on bisphenol A in infant feeding bottles and sippy cups; importers and manufacturers given six-month phase-out period to remove affected products from market
IKEA recalls travel mug for containing DBP
International retailer issues recall for all “Troligtvis” travel mugs made in India; recent testing finds levels of dibutyl phthalate (DBP) that exceed company’s set limits; phthalates have been prohibited in all IKEA food contact articles for years
Scientists respond to UNEP’s revised zero draft for a global plastics treaty
Scientists’ Coalition responds to zero draft in preparation for the 4th negotiating meeting (INC-4) on the global treaty to prevent plastic pollution; meeting in Ottawa, Canada from April 23 – 29, 2024; offer evidence- and science-based commentary; highlight the importance of addressing plastic pollution holistically
New EU Directive targets sustainability labels and greenwashing buzzwords
EU Parliamentarians overwhelmingly approve new directive to limit sustainability certifications and claims such as “eco friendly”, “biodegradable”, and “natural” without proof; offsets to earn environmental claims will also no longer be allowed
New tool to evaluate EDC science
Collaboration of international scientists develop SYRINA framework for reviewing and assessing studies on endocrine disruptors; urge regulators to use these new methods for decision-making
BPA in air and surface water
New study finds high BPA concentrations in air and surface water near industrial sites; proposes new routes of exposure
World Health Assembly adopts resolution on chemicals, waste, and pollution
Resolution calls on World Health Organization Member States to increase work on potential human health impacts of plastics, links between chemical exposures, and health; recognizes people are exposed to many chemicals but majority have not been well studied