Linking chemical exposures to birth outcomes: Insights from the ECHO Program

Two studies use Environmental influences on Child Health Outcomes (ECHO) Program in the US to investigate chemical exposures and birth outcomes; several phthalates associated with decreased gestational age, increased risk of preterm birth; ~56,595 preventable preterm births and $3.84 billion healthcare costs in US annually

New research on chemical migration from plastic, paper, can coating, and reusables

Recent reports investigate whitening agents’ migration from disposable plastic containers; characterize 153 chemicals migrating from paper packaging and show estimated dietary exposure for children to per- and polyfluorinated alkyl substances (PFAS) exceed safety threshold; detect brominated flame retardants in repeat-use food contact articles; review metal can coating literature concerning coatings types, chemical migrants, detection methods, dietary exposure, and regulatory

EFSA updates HBCDDs risk assessment

European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) publishes update on risk assessment of hexabromocyclododecanes (HBCDDs); results support conclusion that dietary exposure in EU not a health concern except for breastfed children; panel will consider mixture approach once risk assessments of all groups of brominated flame retardants (BFRs) updated

Rare earth elements found in FCMs, recycled plastics

Researchers at University of Plymouth find rare earth elements in 24 of 31 tested products including children’s toys, food contact materials (FCMs); highest abundance in plastic recycled from electronic waste; authors suggest plastic recycling process as source for contamination; suggest elements as indicators for presence of other additives such as brominated flame retardants

California consults on carcinogenicity of substances

Seven substances set for consideration under state’s Proposition 65 legislation; includes bisphenol A and decabromodiphenyl ether (decaBDE); comments accepted until October 19, 2020

Australia classifies TBBPA as category 2 carcinogen

Department of Health publishes assessment report for tetrabromobisphenol A (TBBPA), concludes that it is suspected of causing causer; substance largely used as a flame retardant in circuit boards, included in database of food contact chemicals

U.S. state lawmakers focus on developing PFAS legislation

Analysis from Safer States finds 29 U.S. states currently considering over 180 chemicals policies; focus placed largely on per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) with 13 states specifically considering restrictions on PFAS in food packaging; Wisconsin opens online survey for PFAS Action Council until February 21, 2020

EU bans recycling of materials containing PBDEs

EU withdraws exemption under Stockholm Convention that allowed recycling of materials containing the brominated flame retardants tetrabromodiphenyl ether (tetraBDE) and pentabromodiphenyl ether (pentaBDE)

Public events on safer products bill and toxicology roadmap

U.S. State of Washington to host webinar on August 29, 2019 explaining new Safer Products for Washington bill and planned implementation; U.S. FDA to hold public workshop on September 18, 2019 providing update on development of Predictive Toxicology Roadmap

IPEN: ‘alarming levels’ in recycled plastics

Analyses of consumer products made of recycled plastics show high concentrations of brominated dioxins and brominated flame retardants; IPEN calls for stricter controls