The European legislation on the restriction on intentionally added microplastics. Commentary.

The potential impacts of microplastics pollution on the environment and possibly human health have raised concerns in various parts of the world. Once in the environment, microplastics do not biodegrade and cannot be removed. Several Member States have adopted or proposed specific measures.

Determination and risk assessment of phthalates in face masks. An Italian study.

Serious human health concerns have been recently raised from daily use of face masks, due to the possible presence of hazardous compounds as the phthalic acid esters (PAEs). In this study, the content of 11 PAEs in 35 commercial masks was assessed by applying a specific and accurate method, using Gas Chromatography/Mass Spectrometry. Surgical, FFP2 and non-surgical models, for both adults and children were collected from the Italian market.

Best practices for developmental toxicity assessment for classification and labeling.

Many chemicals are going through a hazard-based classification and labeling process in Europe. Because of the significant public health implications, the best science must be applied in assessing developmental toxicity data. The European Teratology Society and Health and Environmental Sciences Institute co-organized a workshop to consider best practices, including data quality and consistency, interpretation of developmental effects in the presence of maternal toxicity, human relevance of animal data, and limits of chemical classes.

Spectroscopy of bulk and few-layer superconducting NbSe with van der Waals tunnel junctions.

Tunnel junctions, an established platform for high resolution spectroscopy of superconductors, require defect-free insulating barriers; however, oxides, the most common barrier, can only grow on a limited selection of materials. We show that van der Waals tunnel barriers, fabricated by exfoliation and transfer of layered semiconductors, sustain stable currents with strong suppression of sub-gap tunneling. This allows us to measure the spectra of bulk (20 nm) and ultrathin (3- and 4-layer) NbSe devices at 70 mK.

The juvenile toxicity study as a tool for a science-based risk assessment in the children population group.

Children show unique features concerning chemical hazards and risks, due to different exposure scenarios, age-related metabolic capacity and biological susceptibility linked to post-natal development. Chemical Regulatory frameworks state the need of children risk characterization. Current testing guidelines covering post-natal development are not routinely required by regulatory applications other than pesticides and biocides.