US state’s Department of Toxic Substances Control proposes regulating per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) as single class under Safer Consumer Products Framework, approach based on environmental persistence; could help other regulatory agencies, be applied to other complex compound classes such as microplastics
February 19, 2021
Model legislation suggests regulation of PFAS and phthalates
Toxics in Packaging Clearinghouse (TPCH) announces model legislation update, suggests regulation of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) and ortho-phthalates, stricter limits for heavy metals
February 10, 2021
Chemicals change gut microbiome in children
Study in Environmental Science Technology Letters investigates presence of semi-volatile organic chemicals (SVOCs) and associated changes in microbiome of 79 children with 43 SVOC biomarkers detected; study includes phthalates, phenols, per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS); less abundant microbes replaced due to higher sensitivity to chemicals, increased abundance of dehalogenation bacteria observed; more extensive studies needed to verify results and understand human health implications
February 9, 2021
11 US states considering to ban PFAS in food packaging
Safer States releases analysis on anticipated US toxic chemical regulation; 27 states considering policies across more than 180 bills, primary focus on per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS); 11 states could eliminate PFAS from food packaging
January 25, 2021
GenX: developmental toxicant in rats
Study finds developmental toxicity in rats for hexafluoropropylene oxide-dimer acid (HFPO-DA or GenX); exposure results in reduced pup birth weights, increased pup liver weight, and reduced neonatal survival; similar adverse effects to other per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances; knowledge gaps regarding clearance rate and human half-life
January 14, 2021
McDonald’s phases out PFAS
McDonald’s announces plan to remove per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) from all guest packaging materials globally by 2025
December 16, 2020
Report focuses on plastics, EDCs, and health
Guide developed by Endocrine Society and International Pollutants Elimination Network (IPEN) informs public interest organizations and policy-makers about presence of endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) in plastics; explains impacts of EDCs on human health, considers economic dimension
December 11, 2020
Amazon restricts 17 chemicals in FCMs
Amazon announces ban on 17 chemicals in food packaging; includes per-and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), phthalates, bisphenol A (BPA), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polystyrene (PS), expanded polystyrene (EPS); restricted substance list (RSL) applies to Amazon Go, Amazon Go Grocery, Amazon Fresh, and Fresh grocery delivery
December 4, 2020
New York banning PFAS in food packaging
New York governor Cuomo signs bill banning PFAS in all food packaging, effective from December 2022, follows Toxics in Packaging Clearinghouse (TPCH) model registration; industry criticizes lack of alternatives
November 12, 2020
Stakeholders anticipate Biden’s changes to US chemicals regulations
President-elect’s environmental justice plan specifically targets ‘frontline’ communities affected most by chemical pollution, set to recognize per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) as hazardous under US law; critics concerned over appointment of transition team member with history of defending PFAS manufacturers
