ECHA PFAS restriction supported
ECHA’s Risk Assessment Committee (RAC) has adopted its final opinion on the Annex XV dossier proposing restrictions on the manufacture, placing on the market and use of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). The 60-day public consultation of the draft opinion on the restriction of PFAS by ECHA’s Committee for Socio-Economic Analysis (SEAC) is open until 25th May 2026. RAC and SEAC both endorse EU-wide measures, accompanied by appropriate derogations and controls, to address the increasing and persistent risks that PFAS pose to human health and the environment.
https://echa.europa.eu/-/echa-supports-pfas-restriction-with-targeted-derogations
EFSA Adverse Outcome Pathway Network (AOPN) for endocrine disruptors
An AOPN has been developed, for EFSA, on endocrine disruption-mediated reproductive outcomes of relevance to humans (and other mammals), with the main focus on Estrogenic, Androgenic, and Steroidogenic (EAS) modalities, especially the anti-androgenic mode of action. This foundational AOPN comprises 10 fully developed AOPs that link molecular initiating events to in vivo adverse outcomes (such as reduced anogenital distance, nipple retention, hypospadias and impaired fertility). Additional upstream networks for EAS modalities were also developed and methodological approaches refined. Several of these AOPs are currently under review for OECD endorsement.
https://efsa.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.2903/sp.efsa.2026.EN-9974
EC evaluation of Tobacco Products Directive (TPD) & Tobacco Advertising Directive (TAD)
The European Commission (EC) has assessed the effectiveness, efficiency and relevance of the Tobacco Products Directive (TPD) and Tobacco Advertising Directive (TAD) in protecting public health and ensuring the smooth functioning of the internal market. The findings show that the framework has contributed to a significant decline in traditional cigarette smoking, particularly among young people, and a reduction in tobacco-related deaths across the European Union. However, the evaluation also identified new public health concerns posed by novel tobacco and nicotine products including e-cigarettes (vapes), Heated Tobacco Products (HTPs) and nicotine pouches, including nicotine addiction and these products potentially acting as a “gateway” for traditional tobacco product use. The Commission acknowledged the need for the current framework to be updated in order to address new market developments, technological changes (particularly surrounding digital and online promotion of novel products to younger people) and emerging health risks. According to an associated press release (https://ec.europa.eu/commission/presscorner/api/files/document/print/en/ip_26_771/IP_26_771_EN.pdf), the Commission intends to propose a revision of the legislative framework on tobacco control later in 2026.
The EC Joint Research Centre (JRC) has also released three reports providing background information and further insights into the findings of the EC publication, and the data considered crucial to define any new tobacco-related policies. One report examines the trends and patterns of use of e-cigarettes, HTPs and nicotine pouches, comparing them with the use of traditional tobacco products. A second report collates the evidence and interpretations from authoritative public health organisations, national health authorities and official risk assessment bodies on the associations between these emerging products and health outcomes, smoking initiation and smoking cessation. The third explores the epidemiological data on prevalence of use, product type, age group and country of residence to provide an updated health-related cost of tobacco use for the EU as a whole (currently estimated to amount to EUR 80.7 billion) and for each Member State.
https://publications.jrc.ec.europa.eu/repository/handle/JRC146139
https://publications.jrc.ec.europa.eu/repository/handle/JRC146176
https://publications.jrc.ec.europa.eu/repository/handle/JRC143862
DECOS looks at ethylene glycol toxicity for reproduction and development
DECOS has evaluated the reproductive and developmental effects of ethylene glycol, which has various industrial uses including in the production of polyester fibres, polymers, and polyethylene terephthalate (PET) resins, as an antifreeze, and as a solvent or softening agent. Classification (under CLP) as a developmental toxin (Repr. 1B) was recommended, based on its effects on foetal body weight, skeletal malformations, post-implantation loss, and numbers of live foetuses in rodents. The data were considered too limited to inform on whether it might adversely affect fertility.
US FDA additions to the list of Harmful and Potentially Harmful Constituents (HPHC)
The US FDA requires tobacco manufacturers and importers to report the levels of HPHCs found in their tobacco products. In 2012, the Agency published a preliminary (established) list of 93 HPHCs, focusing on chemicals that are linked to serious health effects of tobacco use including cancer, cardiovascular disease, respiratory effects, reproductive problems and addiction. The FDA has now updated this HPHC list with the following 18 constituents (including those found in e-cigarette emissions):
- acetic acid
- acetoin
- acetyl propionyl
- benzyl acetate
- n-butanol
- butyraldehyde
- diacetyl
- diethylene glycol
- ethyl acetate
- ethylene glycol
- furfural
- glycerol
- glycidol
- isoamyl acetate
- isobutyl acetate
- methyl acetate
- propionic acid
- propylene glycol
In addition, the FDA has requested comments on three proposed additions to the HPHC list: pulegone, furfuryl alcohol and methyl eugenol.
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Written by
Craig Freeman
Senior Toxicologist