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
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
FPF Workshop 2019: Perspectives on innovations
Innovations improving the safety of food contact articles discussed during afternoon session; panel with guests from academia, non-profit organizations, start-ups and industry
DEHP increases BPA exposure
Scientists show that diethylhexyl phthalate (DEHP) leads to higher accumulation of bisphenol A (BPA) in reproductive tissues of mice, likely due to competition for detoxification enzymes
Avoiding drinking water from garden hoses
CBC news advises against drinking water from garden hoses; may leach phthalates, BPA & lead above drinking water standards
Microplastics impacts on the reproductive system and offspring
Scientists report human-relevant polystyrene (PS) microplastic concentrations change mice placental metabolism; show nanoplastics have variable effects on placental enzymes using simulations; find pre- and postnatal PS microplastic exposure affects male mice testis development and fertility; recommend future research to analyze multigenerational effects
Opinion: Everything is a chemical
Scientist criticizes undifferentiated negative discourse on chemicals
A novel concept for improved safety assessment of FCMs guided by public health concerns
Over 20 scientists present a vision for safer food contact materials (FCMs); propose new approach to test all chemicals that migrate from final product for their contribution to highly prevalent chronic diseases
Carcinogenesis by low-dose chemical mixtures: way forward
Scientists summarize the knowledge on the combined contribution of low-dose chemical exposures to carcinogenesis, identify research gaps, recommend novel methodologies for research and risk assessment
China criticized for screening packaged foods for coronavirus
China finds coronavirus on food packaging from 20 countries, restricts the import of food products, does not share lab results; attracts criticism from trade partners that demand end to restriction, more information on used testing methods; World Trade Organization (WTO) meeting to reconcile conflict not successful