Scientist outlines why chemical persistence makes an update of chemical technology and traditional chemical risk assessment necessary; uses per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) as an example while clarifying that innovation needs to go beyond PFAS
July 20, 2023
US state actions concerning food packaging and chemicals in 2023
A brief overview of US state-level regulatory actions concerning food contact chemicals, material prohibitions, and bottle deposits in 2023; state of Washington bans bisphenol-based epoxy liners in drink cans beginning in 2025; other updates from Maine, Michigan, Minnesota, Oregon, Rhode Island, and Vermont
May 31, 2023
NGO calls out top 12 PFAS producers
ChemSec reports on societal costs of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) pollution; estimates costs of 16 trillion euros per year; says producers and investors need to take responsibility
May 16, 2023
Philippines watchdog urges ban on PFAS
EcoWaste Coalition urges Philippines Environmental Management Bureau to ban PFAS as a class; highlights local study of elevated PFAS in women with breast cancer around Manila
May 9, 2023
Oregon passes bills to reduce plastic pollution, PFAS
US state of Oregon passes bill to reduce plastic, ban PFAS in food packaging, and to amend health regulations around reusables; SB 543 phases out polystyrene foam dishware, packing peanuts, and coolers, also prohibits the use of PFAS in food packaging; SB 545 will make it easier for restaurants to offer reusable containers to customers
April 26, 2023
PFAS found in popcorn bags in US, Indonesia
US based and Indonesia based NGOs publish report on PFAS in popcorn bags; all 29 samples tested contained at least one PFAS
April 14, 2023
ECHA hosts webinar on PFAS restriction
European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) details PFAS restriction proposal in webinar; consultation open until September 25, 2023
March 21, 2023
Report outlines how plastic production harms human health, environment, economy
Minderoo-Monaco Commission on Plastics and Human Health publishes extensive report summarizing plastics’ effects across life cycle on human health, environment, and the economy; health effects cost society hundreds of billions every year; report includes actions for “governments and industries to minimize the negative consequences of global plastic contamination”
March 17, 2023
Study shows plausibility of PFAS from fluorinated HDPE containers contaminating food
Researchers from the University of Notre Dame detect PFAS & PFCAs in food stored in fluorinated high-density polyethylene (HDPE) containers for one week; authors recommend regulations on food contact uses
March 8, 2023
Forever Pollution Project maps Europe’s PFAS contamination
Media collaboration evaluates Europe’s contamination by per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS); maps 17,000 known and 21,000 presumed contamination sites; ChemSec launches PFAS guide for companies
