Immunotoxicity

Environmental Science & Technology Perspective Reviews PFAS Toxicity Evidence And Human Health Risks

A new peer-reviewed Perspective in Environmental Science & Technology consolidates epidemiological and toxicological evidence that PFAS exposure is linked to cancer, metabolic, immune, reproductive, developmental, and endocrine effects, directly challenging myths that PFAS health risks are uncertain or unproven. This strengthens the scientific basis regulators and companies rely on when setting PFAS limits and phase-out strategies, signalling continued momentum toward stricter, class-based PFAS controls across jurisdictions.

20 May 2026, 19:21pubs.acs.orgGlobal

Netherlands (RIVM) Describes New PARC NAMs Project for Regulatory Developmental Immunotoxicity Assessment

RIVM’s publications catalogue now links to an open‑access *Frontiers in Toxicology* review describing a four‑year PARC project (launched May 2025) to modernise **developmental immunotoxicity (DIT)** assessment in European chemicals regulation using **new approach methodologies (NAMs)**.[^1^](https://www.rivm.nl/publicaties/new-approach-methodologies-nams-to-support-regulatory-assessment-of-developmental#:~:text=New%20approach%20methodologies%20(NAMs)%20to%20support%20regulatory%20assessment%20of%20developmental%20immunotoxicity)[^2^](https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/toxicology/articles/10.3389/ftox.2026.1740390/full#:~:text=The%20current%20testing%20strategy%20for%20the%20assessment%20of%20developmental%20immunotoxicity) The project aims to build a human‑relevant DIT knowledge base (including a **Human Immune System Development Map**) and to develop and evaluate NAMs—such as in vitro TDAR assays, advanced HSC/iPSC‑derived immune cell models, and zebrafish/stickleback systems—to support regulatory decisions like screening, prioritisation and read‑across and, over time, reduce reliance on animal testing.[^2^](https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/toxicology/articles/10.3389/ftox.2026.1740390/full#:~:text=This%20project%20comprises%2014%20partner%20institutions) For compliance teams, this is an important **regulatory‑science signal** on how EU authorities and PARC partners expect future DIT assessments to evolve, but it does **not yet change any legal obligations or testing requirements.**

18 May 2026, 15:09rivm.nlNetherlands

Michigan State University Study Links PFAS Exposure to Weaker Adult Immune Response

New scientific research confirms that PFAS exposure significantly weakens adult immune responses, providing a stronger evidentiary basis for stringent drinking water regulations. This development increases the long-term regulatory and liability risks for PFAS-intensive industries as authorities use such health data to justify aggressive exposure reduction and enforcement measures.

10 Apr 2026, 13:43msutoday.msu.eduUnited States

Exposure to PFAS and Inflammatory Bowel Disease: Review and Meta-Analysis

A March 2026 peer-reviewed study links PFOA exposure to inflammatory bowel disease and identifies PFDA as a significant regulatory gap in US drinking water standards. This emerging epidemiological evidence increases the likelihood of expanded federal PFAS restrictions and may bolster future litigation and hazard-based classification efforts.

27 Mar 2026, 17:13nature.comUnited States

EFSA Publishes PFAS Risk Assessment Workshop Report

EFSA has released a report detailing global and EU-level advancements in PFAS risk assessment, including new health-based guidance values for trifluoroacetic acid. Companies should anticipate more harmonized and stringent safety standards for PFAS mixtures and food contact materials as regulators move toward unified toxicity benchmarks.

14 Mar 2026, 13:30efsa.europa.euEuropean Union

Belgium Reports PFAS Violations In Textiles And Warns Of PFHxA Restrictions From 2026

Belgian authorities have initiated an intensified five-year PFAS inspection program following widespread compliance failures in consumer textiles. Proactive supply chain audits and e-commerce monitoring are essential to mitigate enforcement risks and prepare for the 2026 EU-wide PFHxA restriction.

13 Mar 2026, 06:34health.belgium.beBelgiumEuropean Union

EWG Analysis Finds PFAS Pesticides on 37% of Non-Organic California-Grown Produce

Recent analysis shows PFAS pesticide residues on nearly 40 percent of non-organic California produce, with high concentrations in stone fruits and berries. This data intensifies regulatory and public pressure on the EPA to re-evaluate pesticide safety standards and may lead to stricter residue limits or bans on specific active ingredients.

12 Mar 2026, 11:54ewg.orgUnited States

EFSA Issues Roadmap for Integrating Gut Microbiomes Into EU Risk Assessments

EFSA has established a roadmap to incorporate gut microbiome data into food and feed risk assessments for substances that disrupt intestinal health. This development signals a transition toward more complex toxicological endpoints and will likely necessitate updated testing protocols for food additives and contaminants.

11 Mar 2026, 17:31efsa.onlinelibrary.wiley.comEuropean Union

ECHA Decision Requesting EOGRTS (OECD TG 443) for 4,4'-Isopropylidenebis[2-allylphenol] (EC 217-121-1)

ECHA has mandated an Extended One-Generation Reproductive Toxicity Study for 4,4'-isopropylidenebis[2-allylphenol] with results due by May 2029. This data will clarify reproductive and endocrine hazards, likely leading to future harmonized classification or identification as a Substance of Very High Concern.

11 Mar 2026, 13:07echa.europa.euEuropean Union

SETAC Globe Highlights PFAS Exposure Pathways in Food Systems

Recent scientific assessments confirm significant PFAS bioaccumulation across global food systems, including crops, livestock, and aquatic life. This evidence signals a shift toward stricter soil and feed standards, requiring businesses to proactively manage supply chain contamination and prepare for expanded dietary exposure regulations.

3 Mar 2026, 19:43setac.orgUnited StatesEuropean Union

Netherlands RIVM Publishes Study on Irreversible Immune Dysfunction in Earthworms From MoS2 Nanosheet Exposure

New research backed by the Dutch RIVM demonstrates that molybdenum disulphide nanosheets cause irreversible immune dysfunction in earthworms, posing a threat to soil biodiversity. This finding increases the likelihood of stricter environmental safety requirements and potential use restrictions for nanomaterials in agricultural and soil-contact applications.

23 Feb 2026, 11:42rivm.nlNetherlands

Occupational Silica Exposure Linked to Systemic Immune Dysregulation and Tumour Associations

New scientific research published in February 2026 establishes a mechanistic link between occupational silica exposure and systemic immune dysregulation. This evidence strengthens the case for stricter global occupational exposure limits and may trigger future hazard reclassifications for silica-intensive industries.

17 Feb 2026, 14:15frontiersin.orgGlobal

EU Medical Experts and MEPs Call for PFAS Phase-Out in Healthcare Sector

EU lawmakers and medical experts are intensifying calls for a comprehensive PFAS phase-out in healthcare, targeting medical devices and clinical applications. This signals a narrowing window for essential use derogations, requiring manufacturers to accelerate substitution efforts as PFAS-free alternatives gain regulatory and clinical support.

17 Feb 2026, 13:35chemtrust.orgEuropean Union

Netherlands District Court Seeks Expert Review in Essure Product Liability Mass-Claim Case (ECLI:NL:RBMNE:2026:356)

A Dutch court has ordered an expert review and extensive document disclosure in a major product liability mass-claim regarding the Essure medical device. This development underscores the increasing litigation risk for manufacturers and reinforces strict judicial expectations for ongoing safety monitoring and transparent risk disclosure.

13 Feb 2026, 12:01deeplink.rechtspraak.nlNetherlands

Germany UBA Issues Guideline Values For Non‑Relevant Pesticide Metabolites In Raw Water

Germany has implemented a tiered risk-based framework for pesticide metabolites in raw water to align with EU drinking water standards. This development increases monitoring obligations for water suppliers and requires pesticide manufacturers to provide comprehensive toxicological data to avoid operational restrictions.

25 Jan 2026, 13:13umweltbundesamt.deGermany

US FDA Reports Over 50 PFAS Ingredients In Nearly 1,700 Personal Care Products

The US FDA has identified over 50 PFAS ingredients intentionally added to nearly 1,700 cosmetic products following mandatory reporting under the Modernization of Cosmetics Regulation Act. This official evidence base signals increased federal scrutiny and will likely accelerate state-level bans and market pressure for PFAS-free formulations in the personal care sector.

17 Jan 2026, 19:04fda.govUnited States

New Jersey Senate Prefiles SR42 Requesting Federal PFAS Legal Remedies and Research

New Jersey has prefiled a resolution urging the US Congress to establish a federal liability framework and medical monitoring remedies for PFAS exposure. This signals intensifying state-level pressure for federal legislation that could shift significant litigation and medical costs onto PFAS manufacturers and downstream users.

15 Jan 2026, 06:18pub.njleg.govUnited States

Dutch Parliament Publishes 2025 Knowledge Agenda on Microplastics and Human Health

The Dutch government has published the 2025 Knowledge Agenda on micro- and nanoplastics, establishing a five-year scientific roadmap to support health-based policy and norm-setting. Businesses should anticipate stricter future standards for product design, filtration, and emissions as research shifts from exposure detection to formal risk assessment and mitigation.

7 Jan 2026, 14:09zoek.officielebekendmakingen.nlNetherlands

ECHA Seminar Shares Preliminary Findings on BPA Alternatives

ECHA preliminary findings indicate that several Bisphenol A alternatives exhibit endocrine-disrupting potencies equal to or greater than BPA itself. This development signals an imminent expansion of regulatory scrutiny across the entire bisphenol class, necessitating a proactive review of substitution strategies to avoid future market access risks.

3 Dec 2025, 13:45youtube.comEuropean Union

Over 100 NGOs Urge EU to Ban PFAS and Clean Up Contamination

A coalition of over 100 NGOs has launched a manifesto demanding a comprehensive EU ban on all PFAS production and use by 2030. This coordinated advocacy increases political pressure to minimize exemptions in the upcoming REACH restriction, signaling a likely narrowing of market access for PFAS-containing products.

26 Nov 2025, 09:05erasealltoxins.orgEuropean Union