Arsenic and its Compounds

Thailand Pollution Control Department Detects Dangerous Arsenic Levels in Mekong River Sediments

In March 2026, Thailand’s Pollution Control Department detected arsenic concentrations far above national danger thresholds in sediment from the Mekong River mainstream and nearby tributaries in Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai. These findings, widely associated with upstream unregulated mining in Myanmar, highlight escalating cross-border heavy-metal pollution risks, probable pressure for stronger basin-wide monitoring, and the likelihood of future constraints on water use and fisheries even ahead of new binding rules.

12 May 2026, 15:19news.mongabay.comThailandMyanmar (Burma)

EU Discusses Proposed Metals and Iodine Limits and 2027–2029 Monitoring for Seaweeds

The European Commission and Member States are discussing new EU maximum levels for cadmium, lead, arsenic and iodine in seaweeds, alongside a coordinated 2027–2029 monitoring campaign for metals and iodine in seaweed products based on recent EFSA risk assessment work. If progressed, these measures would tighten contaminant controls on seaweed and halophyte ingredients, requiring producers and users to strengthen testing, adjust sourcing or processing, and prepare for future EU-wide limits under the food contaminants regime.

8 May 2026, 09:27bezpecnostpotravin.czEuropean Union

EMA Updates Arsenic Trioxide Medac Product Information and Risk Management Plan

EMA has accepted a type IB variation for the arsenic-based cancer medicine Arsenic trioxide medac, updating its adverse reaction section and risk management plan based on a completed post-authorisation safety study as of April 2026. These changes primarily refine safety communication and pharmacovigilance duties, requiring implementation of revised SmPC and patient leaflet wording and an aligned RMP across EU markets rather than signalling a major shift in the product’s authorisation framework.

25 Apr 2026, 10:50ema.europa.euEuropean Union

California Assembly Amends And Re-Refers Infant Formula Heavy-Metals Testing Bill AB 2302

In April 2026, the California Assembly amended AB 2302 on infant formula heavy-metals testing and consumer disclosure and advanced it to the Appropriations Committee, phasing brand-owner website and QR-code labelling obligations in from 1 January 2028 while retaining strict monthly testing duties for manufacturers. Infant formula manufacturers and brand owners selling into California should plan for accredited monthly testing of each product line and build systems, labels, and online disclosures to publish batch-level aluminum, arsenic, cadmium, lead, and mercury results in time for the 2028 start date.

22 Apr 2026, 13:58leginfo.legislature.ca.govUnited States

France – Artois‑Picardie Basin Committee Sets SDAGE 2027–2033 Water‑Quality Target Range And Micropollutant Priorities

The Artois-Picardie Basin Committee has set orientations for the 2027–2033 SDAGE water plan, including a 25–35% good-status objective for water bodies and a focus on studies and investment addressing micropollutants such as arsenic. These orientations signal stronger future funding and project prioritisation for wastewater systems, urban stormwater and agricultural erosion control in northern France under the EU Water Framework Directive, shaping upcoming plans and local implementation measures.

21 Apr 2026, 17:47eau-artois-picardie.frFrance

Wisconsin Legislature Fails to Pass AB1071 on Toxic Heavy Metals in Baby Food

In March 2026, the Wisconsin Legislature failed to pass AB1071, a bill that would have required baby food manufacturers to disclose testing for arsenic, cadmium, lead, and mercury via QR code labels and detailed website postings. This outcome leaves current practice unchanged in Wisconsin but underscores growing legislative scrutiny of toxic heavy metals in infant nutrition that food and formula producers should continue to monitor for future policy moves.

16 Apr 2026, 15:35docs.legis.wisconsin.govUnited States

California AB 2302: Heavy Metal Testing And Digital Labelling For Infant Formula

California’s AB 2302 has advanced in the Assembly and would require monthly testing and digital consumer disclosure of aluminium, arsenic, cadmium, lead, and mercury in all infant formula sold or distributed in the state. If enacted, infant formula manufacturers and brand owners would need to upgrade laboratory programmes, data systems, and QR code labelling to demonstrate control of heavy metals in California-bound products and align with evolving FDA action levels.

16 Apr 2026, 13:39leginfo.legislature.ca.govUnited States

Connecticut Senate Journal Records Favourable Report For S.B. 118 On Toxic Heavy Metals In Baby Food

Connecticut is advancing legislation to impose strict heavy metal limits and mandatory monthly batch testing for baby food products starting January 2027. Manufacturers should prepare for significant operational shifts toward high-frequency testing and digital transparency requirements, including mandatory QR-code labeling for consumer risk disclosure.

2 Apr 2026, 08:37cga.ct.govUnited States

Washington DOH Adopts Updated Consumer Confidence Report Rules for Group A Public Water Systems

Washington State has finalized stricter drinking water reporting rules to align with federal standards, effective April 2026. Operators must implement enhanced disclosure protocols for contaminants like PFAS and lead, including new biannual reporting cycles for larger systems starting in 2027.

28 Mar 2026, 16:37doh.wa.govUnited States

Washington Department of Ecology Opens Public Comment on Boeing Kent Space Center Draft Cleanup Documents

Washington has initiated a public consultation on draft remediation plans and legal orders for the Boeing Kent Space Center hazardous waste site. This move signals the transition toward final cleanup obligations for arsenic contamination, underscoring the state's rigorous enforcement of industrial site remediation standards.

26 Mar 2026, 11:35ecology.wa.govUnited States

Massachusetts Advances Private Well Drinking Water Standards Bill (H.900)

Massachusetts is advancing legislation to establish statewide drinking water quality standards and mandatory testing for private wells, targeting PFAS and heavy metals. This shift toward uniform groundwater regulation will increase demand for water treatment solutions and introduce new compliance obligations for real estate transactions and infrastructure planning.

25 Mar 2026, 21:33malegislature.govUnited States

China Proposes Revised Standard GB 16413 on Safety Requirements for Non-Metallic Products in Coal Mines

China is expanding mandatory safety and environmental standards for all non-metallic products used in underground coal mines through a proposed revision of GB 16413. This shift introduces stricter chemical restrictions and smoke toxicity testing that will require significant supply chain validation and technical adjustments for mining equipment manufacturers.

21 Mar 2026, 16:25members.wto.orgChina

US CDC/NIOSH Requests Comment on Draft IDLH Value Profile for Lewisite

NIOSH has proposed a new Immediately Dangerous to Life or Health value for lewisite to establish updated scientific benchmarks for acute inhalation risks. Finalization of this value will require facilities handling the substance to update mandatory respiratory protection standards and emergency response protocols.

18 Mar 2026, 16:45federalregister.govUnited States

US EPA Proposes Cleanup Plan for Lead-Contaminated Residences at Federated Metals Superfund Site in Indiana

The US EPA has proposed a soil remediation plan for lead-contaminated residential properties near the Federated Metals Superfund site in Indiana, with comments open until April 15, 2026. This action underscores the persistent liability risks associated with legacy heavy metal contamination and the EPA's commitment to enforcing stringent residential cleanup standards.

18 Mar 2026, 16:11epa.govUnited States

Tanzania Draft Standard: Petroleum Jelly for Cosmetic Industry — Specification (Third Edition)

Tanzania has proposed a revised standard for cosmetic-grade petroleum jelly, introducing stricter impurity limits for heavy metals and arsenic alongside updated physicochemical criteria. Manufacturers must review ingredient specifications and labeling protocols to ensure compliance with the new quality benchmarks and bilingual marking requirements for the Tanzanian market.

14 Mar 2026, 14:56members.wto.orgTanzania

Japan MOE Reports FY Reiwa 6 Enforcement Status Under Agricultural Land Soil Contamination Prevention Law

Japan has achieved a 94.3% remediation rate for agricultural land contaminated with heavy metals as of the end of fiscal year 2024. Persistent monitoring of cadmium levels in rice signals a long-term regulatory commitment to soil quality that directly impacts agricultural supply chain integrity and food safety.

14 Mar 2026, 08:23env.go.jpJapan

California OEHHA Posts Public Submissions on PFHxS and Arsenic Drinking-Water PHGs

California has released stakeholder feedback on proposed Public Health Goals for PFHxS and arsenic, advancing the scientific review required to set new drinking water standards. While non-regulatory, these goals establish the health-based foundation for future enforceable Maximum Contaminant Levels, signaling a trajectory toward stricter compliance limits for these substances.

12 Mar 2026, 11:35oehha.ca.govUnited States

California Assembly Proposes Heavy Metal Testing And Labelling Rules For Infant Formula

California has proposed AB 2302 mandating monthly heavy metal testing and digital disclosure for all infant formula sold in the state. This signals a shift toward batch-level transparency and digital labeling that will require significant upgrades to supply chain data management and laboratory coordination.

12 Mar 2026, 07:28leginfo.legislature.ca.govUnited States

EFSA Scientific Committee Working Group Begins Risk–Benefit Assessment of Fish Consumption

EFSA has launched a multi-year risk-benefit assessment of fish consumption to evaluate the health impacts of contaminants including PFAS and mercury through 2027. This study will likely drive revised EU dietary guidelines and more stringent regulatory limits for chemical substances in seafood products.

10 Mar 2026, 12:52efsa.europa.euEuropean Union

California DTSC Approves Remedial Action Plan for SMUD Thornton Avenue Former Electrical Substation

California authorities approved a site-specific remediation plan in March 2026 to address legacy heavy metal contamination at a former utility site. The decision highlights the persistent liability and strict soil management obligations facing operators of aging industrial infrastructure under California environmental laws.

10 Mar 2026, 11:32ceqanet.lci.ca.govUnited States