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Abstract Background Scientific criteria to identify endocrine disruptors (ED) was recently implemented for plant protection products (PPP) and biocidal products (BP). A guidance document has been published by ECHA and EFSA in the context of ED criteria for PPPs and BPs. Methods In the present work, a case study was performed on Bisphenol AF (BPAF) to explore the application of the EU criteria and EFSA/ECHA guidance document for the ED assessment of a non-pesticide chemical regulated under REACH. A data dossier was built by a systematic literature search (Web of Science, Pubmed, Embase; n = 511), title/abstract screening (n = 124) and full text examination (n = 88). All the information was extracted and systematically reported for 309 parameters (100 for adversity; 209 for endocrine activity). The reliability of studies was assessed (SciRAP tool). Results Data were synthesized into 96 lines of evidence for adversity (n = 57), and endocrine activity (n = 39); and assessed by weight of evidence methodology. The initial analysis of the evidence indicated EATS-mediated adversity in mammals, therefore a mode of action (MoA) was postulated for both male and female adult exposure. Female MoA included estrogen receptor activation and altered steroidogenesis leading to ovarian dysfunction, altered estrous cycling and impaired female fertility. Male MoA was initiated by androgen receptor inhibition and altered steroidogenesis leading to dysfunction of male reproductive organs and impaired male fertility. Conclusions The overall conclusion of the ED assessment indicated that BPAF meets the ED criteria for human health. The steps described in the ED guidance document were successfully completed, resulting in a thorough, structured and transparent identification of BPAF as an ED. Advantages and limitations of applying the ED criteria and guidance for a REACH chemical are discussed.

Author(s): Hai Gen Zuo [sup.1] [sup.2], Qiu hong Luo [sup.2], Yi Han Lei [sup.1], Xiu Juan Liu [sup.1], Wen Ge [sup.1], Shi Yu Xiong [sup.1], Lei Shi [sup.2] Author Affiliations: [...], A novel method for the determination of pyrethroid pesticide residues in wooden toys was developed. Wooden toy samples were extracted with petroleum ether-acetone (1 : 1, v/v), cleaned up on a florisil solid phase extraction cartridge and determined by gas chromatography equipped with electron capture detector (GC-ECD), followed by validation using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) with negative chemical ionization. Calibration curves were linear in the range of 0.02-0.5 mg/kg with correlation coefficients exceeding 0.9975 for GC-ECD and GC-MS. At spiked concentrations of 0.1, 0.2 and 0.5 mg/kg, the average recoveries and relative standard deviations were 82-97% and 1.5-7.8%, respectively. The limit of quantification for each analyte was 0.1 mg/kg, which satisfied the current maximum residue limit permitted in wooden toys. Results also showed that the developed method could be successfully applied to determine permethrin, cypermethrin, cyfluthrin, deltamethrin residues in real wooden toy samples.

Coffee is generally stressed by several biotic constraints including insect pests, diseases, weeds, nematodes among others, due to its nature. In response, farmers use all sorts of pesticides so as to manage these problems. However, detailed studies to determine the types of pesticides used in the diverse Arabica coffee agro-ecologies of Uganda are yet to be conducted. This information is vital for guiding research, policy and other agendas on pesticide issues, since their misuse can cause serious negative effects on humans, livestock and environment. A questionnaire was therefore, administered to 325 households in the 3 major Arabica coffee growing regions of Uganda (Mt. Elgon, West Nile and southern), with the aim of determining which pesticides are commonly being used by farmers. The study specifically aimed at investigating which pesticides have been banned in Uganda but still being used by farmers in these Arabica coffee agro-ecologies. Results showed that pesticides use in the Arabica coffee growing regions of Uganda was limited, with only 23% of the farmers using them. The highest percentage of farmers (39%) using pesticides was recorded in the southern region, while the lowest percentage of farmers (11%) was observed in West Nile region. A total of 22 of pesticides namely, 13 insecticides (59%), 5 fungicides (23%) and 4 herbicides (18%) were being used by farmers. Most of the pesticides recorded (64%) belonged to class II chemicals which are defined as moderately hazardous. Farmers should, therefore, be encouraged to use these pesticides instead of the class I chemicals which are defined as highly hazardous. The commonest insecticide was cypermethrin, being used by 15.4% of the farmers, while mancozeb was the most common fungicide, used by 7.7%. On the other hand, glyphosate was the most commonly used herbicide, by 15.4% of the farmers. The study further revealed that three insecticides - carbofuran (Furadan 5), dichlorvos 100% (Lava 100% EC) and fenitrothion (Sumithion/Fenitrothion) and one herbicide, gramoxone (Paraquat), which were being used by farmers, have been banned from use in Uganda. However, none of the fungicides observed has been banned from use in Uganda. Thus, farmers in all coffee growing agro-ecologies should be educated on pesticide use particularly those that have been banned from use. This will reduce pesticide misuse, toxicity and exposure. Key words: Arabica-coffee-agro-ecologies, banned-pesticides, carbofuran, cypermethrin, dichlorvos, fenitrothin, glyphoshate, gramoxone, mancozeb, pesticide-use, INTRODUCTION Coffee remains the main cash crop of Uganda. It earned the country about US$370 million in the coffee year 2015/16 in exports [1]. The crop is grown by more [...]

Background: Scientific criteria to identify endocrine disruptors (ED) was recently implemented for plant protection products (PPP) and biocidal products (BP). A guidance document has been published by ECHA and EFSA in the context of ED criteria for PPPs and BPs.Methods: In the present work, a case study was performed on Bisphenol AF (BPAF) to explore the application of the EU criteria and EFSA/ECHA guidance document for the ED assessment of a non-pesticide chemical regulated under REACH. A data dossier was built by a systematic literature search (Web of Science, Pubmed, Embase; n = 511), title/abstract screening (n = 124) and full text examination (n = 88). All the information was extracted and systematically reported for 309 parameters (100 for adversity; 209 for endocrine activity). The reliability of studies was assessed (SciRAP tool).Results: Data were synthesized into 96 lines of evidence for adversity (n = 57), and endocrine activity (n = 39); and assessed by weight of evidence methodology. The initial analysis of the evidence indicated EATS-mediated adversity in mammals, therefore a mode of action (MoA) was postulated for both male and female adult exposure. Female MoA included estrogen receptor activation and altered steroidogenesis leading to ovarian dysfunction, altered estrous cycling and impaired female fertility. Male MoA was initiated by androgen receptor inhibition and altered steroidogenesis leading to dysfunction of male reproductive organs and impaired male fertility.Conclusions: The overall conclusion of the ED assessment indicated that BPAF meets the ED criteria for human health. The steps described in the ED guidance document were successfully completed, resulting in a thorough, structured and transparent identification of BPAF as an ED. Advantages and limitations of applying the ED criteria and guidance for a REACH chemical are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Author(s): Julia RosenAuthor Affiliations:Help to shape policy with your science A protest in Brussels ahead of the European Union's vote to ban neonicotinoid pesticides in April 2018. [see PDF for [...], Decision-makers need input from researchers on issues involving science and society.Decision-makers need input from researchers on issues involving science and society.

APHA is celebrating a recent court decision against a potentially dangerous pesticide used in food production. In 2019, APHA joined the American Academy of Pediatrics and other health organizations on [...]