Non-profit organization ChemSec launches new online resource aimed to facilitate advertising and finding commercially available substitutes to hazardous substances
BPA linked to prostate cancer
New study investigates effects of BPA exposure on human prostate cells, links BPA to prostate cancer
Microbiome and chemical risk assessment
U.S. National Academy of Sciences’ report outlines research strategy to assess the need for chemical risk assessments to consider interactions between chemicals and microbiota when estimating human health effects
Chemicals used to produce PET cause cells to store fat, say scientists
Study investigate correlation of starting substances to manufacture polyethylene terephthalate (PET) with obesity; report these para-phthalates to alter adipogenesis in vitro at nanomolar concentrations; consider ascertaining their safe levels a high priority
Risk of PFOA evaluated
PFOA, its salts and related substances warrant global action under the Stockholm Convention; Persistent Organic Pollutants Review Committee considers draft risk profile of PFOA during its 12th meeting
U.S. consumers confused about compostable and biodegradable food packaging labels
Half of surveyed people have difficulty with the difference between compostable and biodegradable; 50% of participants fail to dispose of packaging correctly; report suggests better standardization and consumer education needed
Successful packaging initiatives require more than changing materials
Consulting company Gartner Inc. predicts 90% of sustainable packaging commitments will not be met by 2025
UBA: third report on compliance of REACH registrations
German Environment Agency (UBA) examines REACH registration dossiers for medium tonnage band chemicals, finds 24% are non-compliant and 31% are too complex to determine compliance, concludes that dossier improvements may be needed