US healthcare provider bans 15 antimicrobials in new building materials  ข่าวโดย..Su 25 November 2015 / North America, Biocides, Active substances, Safer alternatives
Kaiser Permanente, one of the largest healthcare providers in the US, has prohibited the use of 15 antimicrobials in fabric, furniture and finishes in any of its building projects going forward. The company said it consulted with infection-disease experts, before notifying furniture and fabric suppliers it would no longer buy products, containing the following antimicrobial agents:..
https://chemicalwatch.com/biocideshub/43749/us-healthcare-provider-bans-15-antimicrobials-in-new-building-materials?utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Biocides%20USA%202016%207&utm_content=Biocides%20USA%202016%207+CID_5febde4456fd62628e4fb05507d97b44&utm_source=Campaign%20Monitor&utm_term=Read%20the%20full%20article%20here

Coming Soon? Toothpaste Regulated as a Cosmetic in China  ข่าวโดย..Su Oral care products could be integrated into cosmetics regulations in China, recent Chinese news reports said, which could make them subject to stricter regulations by the China Food & Drug Administration (CFDA). According to the CFDA, which has been overseen by Director Bi Jingquan since January 2015, its duty is to formulate the investigation and enforcement system for food, drugs, medical devices and cosmetics, and organize their implementation; organize the investigation and punishment on major violations; establish recall and disposal system for defect products, and supervise the implementation. In 2013, it was restructured to become a ministerial-level agency based on the former State Food and Drug Administration (SFDA). According to news sources in China, the country’s state council called for public opinion in a bid to include oral care products into cosmetics regulations...
http://www.cosmeticsandtoiletries.com/regulatory/claims/Toothpaste-Could-Fall-Under-Cosmetics-Oversight-in-China--319014711.html?utm_source=newsletter-html&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=CT+E-Newsletter+12-09-2015

E-cigarettes deliver harmful chemicals, report finds  ข่าวโดย..Su DEC 8 2015, by MAGGIE FOX - Makers of e-cigarettes claim their products are far safer than burnt tobacco products, but a study published Tuesday shows that may not always be true. The flavorings that make vaping so appealing are made using chemicals that can severely damage the lungs, a team at the Harvard School of Public Health found. Most common was diacetyl, the chemical blamed for causing "Popcorn lung" in workers at microwave popcorn packaging plants....
http://www.nbcnews.com/health/health-news/e-cigarettes-deliver-harmful-chemicals-report-finds-n476151

Microbead Ban Legislation Passes U.S. House  ข่าวโดย..Su Dec 8, 2015 | Contact Author | By: Nicole Urbanowicz
In a unanimous voice vote, the U.S. House of Representatives has approved a bill that would prohibit plastic microbeads nationwide beginning on January 1, 2018. With an aim to protect U.S. waterways from synthetic plastic microbeads, the Microbead-Free Waters Act of 2015 co-sponsored by Congressman Frank Pallone, Jr. (D-NJ) and Committee Chairman Fred Upton (R-MI) amends the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to prohibit the manufacture and sale of personal care products that contain microbeads.
According to the bill, H.R. 3121, "the term ‘plastic microbead’ means any solid plastic particle that is less than five millimeters in size and is intended to be used to exfoliate or cleanse the human body or any part thereof;" and “(B) the term ‘rinse-off cosmetic’ includes toothpaste."...
http://www.cosmeticsandtoiletries.com/regulatory/Microbead-Ban-Legislation-Passes-House-360984511.html?utm_source=newsletter-html&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=CT+E-Newsletter+12-08-2015

Food contact material applications: regulations and guidance  ข่าวโดย..Su EU legislation and EFSA guidance documents detail how to compile dossiers for food contact material applications and what type of scientific data and other information must be included. EFSA regularly updates its guidance documents. Applicants are reminded to ensure they are using the latest version before applying....

http://www.efsa.europa.eu/en/applications/foodcontactmaterials/regulationsandguidance

Indian chemical factory accident kills four  ข่าวโดย..Su 8 December 2015 / Rebecca Trager - Four workers in a private aluminium powder factory near Amathur, India were burned to death following an explosion, according to local news reports. The factory workers were apparently milling aluminium powder from solid blocks when the explosion occurred. The powder – which is used to make pigments, explosives and pyrotechnics – reportedly exploded when it accidentally came in contact with water, although a boiler explosion is also implicated. The Amathur police handling the case are searching for the ‘absconding factory owner,’ IndiaToday stated...

http://www.rsc.org/chemistryworld/2015/12/india-chemical-aluminium-factory-explosion-kills-four

Chemical Safety Assessment Using Read-Across: Assessing the Use of Novel Testing Methods to Strengthen the Evidence Base for Decision Making  ข่าวโดย..Su Background: Safety assessment for repeated dose toxicity is one of the largest challenges in the process to replace animal testing. This is also one of the proof of concept ambitions of SEURAT-1, the largest ever European Union research initiative on alternative testing, co-funded by the European Commission and Cosmetics Europe. This review is based on the discussion and outcome of a workshop organized on initiative of the SEURAT-1 consortium joined by a group of international experts with complementary knowledge to further develop traditional read-across and include new approach data. Objectives: The aim of the suggested strategy for chemical read-across is to show how a traditional read-across based on structural similarities between source and target substance can be strengthened with additional evidence from new approach data—for example, information from in vitro molecular screening, “-omics” assays and computational models—to reach regulatory acceptance.
http://ehp.niehs.nih.gov/1409342/

EFSA evaluates PET recycling process  ข่าวโดย..Su EFSA’s CEF Panel considers post-consumer PET recycling process ‘General Plastic’ insufficiently safe for food contact materials
On November 18, 2015 the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) published a scientific opinion on the post-consumer polyethylene terephthalate (PET) recycling process ‘General Plastic’. The process uses washed and dried PET flakes from post-consumer PET bottles containing no more than 5% PET from non-food consumer applications. The PET flakes are extruded into pellets, crystallized and then subject to solid-state polycondensation. Based on the information provided by the applicant and conducted challenge tests, EFSA’s Panel on Food Contact Materials, Enzymes, Flavourings and Processing Aids (CEF Panel) concluded that the process is not sufficiently characterized and has not been shown to..
http://www.foodpackagingforum.org/news/efsa-evaluates-pet-recycling-process

Opinions: Toxic chemicals in everyday products  ข่าวโดย..Su Article in New York Times outlines the issue of exposure to toxic chemicals from common products and the consequences for human health
In an article published on November 28, 2015 by the New York Times, journalist Nicholas Kristof reports on the many adverse health effects associated with exposure to chemicals found in everyday products. The link between exposure to toxic environmental chemicals and adverse health outcomes is increasingly studied, and scientists and health professionals are issuing warnings. In September 2015, the International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics (FIGO) published a statement on the effects of preconception and prenatal exposure to toxic chemicals on fertility, pregnancy, neurodevelopment, and cancer, and called for action to prevent further harm (FPF reported). In November 2015, the Endocrine Society published its second Scientific Statement on endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) presenting emerging evidence linking EDC exposure to health problems such as diabetes and obesity, infertility, hormone-related cancers, neurological issues, and thyroid disorders (FPF reported). Kristof compares the chemical industry to the tobacco industry, stating that it is “minimizing science and resisting regulation in ways that cause devastating harm to unsuspecting citizens.” Further, Kristof highlights the regulatory situation in the U.S. where most chemicals go on the market untested for safety and are assumed to be safe unless proven otherwise. “We should not have to use the public as guinea pigs,” stated Tracey J. Woodruff, professor in the Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences at the University of California, San Francisco, U.S.. According to experts, the best way for people to protect themselves – especially pregnant women and young children – is to eat organic food, reduce plastic use, avoid cash register receipts and flame-retardant couches, and consult consumer guides, Kristof writes.
On November 30, 2015 the news provider Examiner responded to Kristof’s article. Journalist James Cooper considers Kristof’s piece “alarmingly vague and not very well science based.” There is no definitive evidence for the links between chemical exposures and adverse health effects, Cooper writes. Further, he notes that the FIGO statement is an opinion paper and not a research paper. Regarding EDCs, Cooper states that “there is so little solid research in this area.” Cooper concludes that “trace chemicals represent an active area of research, but very little has been determined so far.”
http://www.foodpackagingforum.org/news/opinions-toxic-chemicals-in-everyday-products

New database on harmful effects of chemicals  ข่าวโดย..Su National Food Institute, Technical University of Denmark, and Danish Environmental Protection Agency launch database containing chemical structures and associated harmful effects of over 600,000 substances
In an article published on November 23, 2015 the National Food Institute at the Technical University of Denmark (DTU Food) informs about a new (Q)SAR database containing over 600,000 chemical structures and information on physicochemical properties, environmental behavior and toxicity endpoints. The database was launched by DTU Food and the Danish Environmental Protection Agency and is publicly available to everyone...
http://www.foodpackagingforum.org/news/new-database-on-harmful-effects-of-chemicals

EFSA: Safety assessment of 3 FCM substances  ข่าวโดย..Su EFSA’s CEF Panel considers substances 2,4-di-tert-amylphenol, montmorillonite clay modified by dimethyldialkyl(C16-C18)ammonium chloride, and 4-acrylamido-4-methyl-2-pentanone as safe for use in food contact materials under certain conditions

http://www.foodpackagingforum.org/news/efsa-safety-assessment-of-3-fcm-substances

EC publishes BPA roadmap  ข่าวโดย..Su DG SANTE releases roadmap on new measures on BPA in FCMs; different options from no policy change to EU-wide ban on BPA in FCMs discussed and assessed
In an article published on November 23, 2015 by the news provider ENDS Europe, journalist Valerie Flynn reports on the recently released European Commission (EC) roadmap entitled “Proposal for a new measure on bisphenol A (BPA) in food contact materials (FCMs).” The roadmap – prepared by the EC’s Directorate-General for Health and Food Safety (DG SANTE) – presents and assesses five different options for EU-wide regulation of BPA (CAS 80-05-7) in FCMs:...
http://www.foodpackagingforum.org/news/ec-publishes-bpa-roadmap

Nano: the Current State of Play  ข่าวโดย..Su Some materials develop new physicochemical properties if the particle size lies in the range of nanometers. While enabling new applications and development of enhanced materials, also altered environmental and/or human risks might occur. To address possible specific risks of such a nanomaterial, additional safety data on nanomaterials are demanded by producers,...
http://www.knoell.com/en/news/nano-current-state-play

UN GHS - Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labeling of Chemicals  ข่าวโดย..Su 3 December 2015 by David Wan - The UN Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labeling of Chemicals (GHS) is an international system created by the UN to address the classification of chemicals by types of hazard and harmonize hazard communication elements, including labels and safety data sheets. It aims at providing a basis for harmonization of rules and regulations on chemicals at national, regional and worldwide level, an important factor also for trade facilitation. GHS has been introduced to many countries/regions such as Europe, USA, China, Japan and Korea, etc via their own legislation or standards...
http://www.cirs-reach.com/news-and-articles/un-ghs-globally-harmonized-system-of-classification-and-labeling-of-chemicals.html

Regulatory Requirements for Exporting Cosmetics to Japan  ข่าวโดย..Su 2 November 2015 original article from CIRS - Definition of Cosmetics and Quasi-drugs in Japan
The Pharmaceutical Affairs Act defines cosmetics as "Articles with mild action on the human body, which are intended to be applied to the human body through rubbing, sprinkling or other methods, aiming to clean, beautify and increase the attractiveness, alter the appearance or to keep the skin or hair in good condition."...
http://www.cirs-reach.com/news-and-articles/regulatory-requirements-for-exporting-cosmetics-to-japan.html

Safety data sheets and SUMIs - are you up-to-date?  ข่าวโดย..Su Communication throughout the supply chain is at the core of REACH. Safety data sheets are the main means to do that. SUMIs - Safe Use of Mixture Information - templates are the new arrival. Are you up-to-date?

How thoroughly should I check the information in the safety data sheet (SDS) received from my supplier?
You should be able to judge whether the information is reliable. Check that the SDS is up-to-date, that it is consistent throughout and in line with the labelling information. Make sure also that it contains the information you need under the various sections . You should be confident that the content of the SDS complies with the requirements of REACH to identify, apply and recommend risk management measures. You should also recognise if you need to communicate new information on hazardous properties or any other information that may affect the risk management measures identified in the SDS to your supplier...

http://newsletter.echa.europa.eu/home/-/newsletter/entry/5_15_safety-data-sheets-and-sumis-are-you-up-to-date-

Want to know about...socio-economic analysis under REACH?  ข่าวโดย..Su Socio-economic analysis is an integral part of the authorisation and restriction processes introduced by REACH. Its main purpose is to support ECHA's opinion and the European Commission's decision making by describing the impacts of choosing one course of action over another. This may include impacts on industry, workers, consumers, regulators and the environment. As chemicals play a central role in our society, it is crucial to evaluate both the costs and the benefits related to any proposal affecting their uses in an appropriate manner....
http://newsletter.echa.europa.eu/home/-/newsletter/entry/5_15_want-to-know-about-socio-economic-analysis-under-reach-

Disinfection Product (Biocide) Regulations in China 2015  ข่าวโดย..Su 17 November 2015 original article from CIRS - China Disinfection Product Regulations (or called disinfectant regulations or sterilize product regulations, includes parts of PT 1 and all PT 2 of EU BPR) were reformed by the end of 2014. Only New disinfection products will be required to be registered in National Level (to NHFPC). Any existing disinfection products just need to notify to local Authorities in Provincial Level (NHFPC local system/Bureau). We collected China main disinfection/disinfectant/Sterilize product Regulations and listed them as follows:....
http://www.cirs-reach.com/news-and-articles/disinfectantion-product-regulations-in-china-2015.html

Test requirements of existing disinfection product (Biocides) in China  ข่าวโดย..Su 17 November 2015 original article from CIRS - In accordance with Regulations on the Safety Evaluation Report of Disinfecting Products (2014), disinfection product should perform required tests to complete Safety Evaluation Report. Those testing should be conducted in local Disease Prevention and Control Centre (provincially). There are five Categories of disinfection products and each of them has specific test requirements. ...
http://www.cirs-reach.com/news-and-articles/test-requirements-of-existing-disinfection-product-biocides-in-china.html

ECHA Helpdesk's top tips: What do importers of chemicals need to know?  ข่าวโดย..Su Are you importing chemicals from outside the EU at volumes above one tonne per year? If you are, you may have to register them with ECHA. The same applies if you import mixtures. All substances in that mixture have to be registered individually. In addition, imported articles may contain substances that need to be registered if specific conditions apply. Here are the answers to the most frequently asked questions...

http://newsletter.echa.europa.eu/home/-/newsletter/entry/5_15_what-do-importers-of-chemicals-need-to-know