Scientists review migration of nanomaterials from polymer-based FCMs, question suitability of migration testing conditions and diffusion-based models for estimation of nanomaterials migration, point to knowledge gaps regarding actions in human body
Plastics stay longer in the ocean than previously estimated, scientists report
3D-model study finds 3,200 kilotonnes of buoyant marine plastic litter in 2020, majority on the surface and >25 mm in size; projects annual growth of 4%; solves mystery on ‘missing’ sink for plastic pollution
BPA reproductive toxicant classification to be strengthened
ECHA Committee for Risk Assessment unanimously supports French proposal, proposes classifying BPA as category 1B reproductive toxicant
US FDA and EPA publish requests for information on PFAS
US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) asks for information on the use of fluorinated polyethylene for food contact and dietary exposure due to migration; US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) seeks responses to specific questions to help form PFAS strategic action plan; FDA comment period open until October 18, 2022, and EPA period until August 29, 2022
Questions surround French deposit scheme
Pending introduction of a deposit-return scheme for bottles in France raising questions by stakeholders; applicable materials, functioning, and cost distributions not yet clear
New enzyme system for faster PET degradation
Researchers announce creation of enzyme technology allowing to degrade polyethylene terephthalate plastics at room temperature in a laboratory setting; industrial scale up foreseen as possible within several years
Opinion: No more secrets over trade talks
MEP Scott-Cato responds to MEP Girling’s article in the Wall Street Journal, argues for the use of the precautionary principle in EDC policy and the opening of the TTIP trade talks to the public
Final TSCA framework rules published
U.S. EPA issues final rules on prioritization, risk evaluation, and inventory of chemicals under revised TSCA; scope of risk assessment for first 10 high-priority substances defined
Special issue on EDCs and behavior
Special issue of peer-reviewed journal Hormones and Behavior focuses on endocrine disrupting chemicals’ effects on behavior; articles address molecular mechanisms, animal studies and epidemiological observations, discuss specific chemicals including BPA, triclosan, PBDEs, PFASs
Scientific statement on obesity
Endocrine Society issues statement on causes of obesity, highlights biological process governing weight stability, calls for more research on factors influencing obesity such as endocrine disruptors