Neurotoxicity

Netherlands RIVM Issues SPARK Project Progress Report 2026-1 on Pesticides and Parkinson's Disease

The Dutch RIVM has published its latest progress report on the SPARK project, advancing a new regulatory framework to evaluate the link between pesticide exposure and Parkinson’s disease. Companies should anticipate future shifts in neurotoxicity testing requirements and potential restrictions on active substances as this research informs Dutch and potentially EU-wide pesticide risk assessment protocols.

5 Apr 2026, 05:42rivm.nlNetherlands

Netherlands Minister Declines Cohort Study on Health Effects of Occupational Pesticide Exposure

The Dutch government declined to launch a national pesticide exposure study in March 2026, opting to rely on international data and upcoming domestic advice. This signals a strategic reliance on global evidence for occupational disease recognition, potentially accelerating the inclusion of pesticide-related conditions in national liability and compensation frameworks.

2 Apr 2026, 10:18open.overheid.nlNetherlands

US Department of Veterans Affairs Issues Biennial Report on Toxicant Exposure at Karshi-Khanabad Air Base (K2)

The US VA's 2025 biennial report on K2 air base toxicant exposure finds no elevated health risks to date, despite detecting depleted uranium at background levels. These findings provide the scientific baseline for upcoming VA rulemaking that may expand 'presumptive condition' status for veterans exposed to toxic substances.

28 Mar 2026, 09:34govinfo.govUnited States

US Study Links PFOS Exposure to Slower Processing Speed in Firefighters

New research links PFOS exposure from firefighting gear and foam to reduced cognitive processing speed in first responders. This evidence supports the transition toward PFAS-free protective equipment and may drive more stringent occupational health surveillance and chemical risk assessments.

27 Mar 2026, 18:42nature.comUnited States

Netherlands RIVM Assesses Feasibility of Cohort Study on Occupational Pesticide Exposure

The Dutch RIVM has confirmed the feasibility of a large-scale cohort study to track long-term health impacts of occupational pesticide exposure. This initiative signals a shift toward data-driven worker protection policies that could lead to stricter occupational exposure limits or use restrictions for specific pesticide classes.

27 Mar 2026, 17:11rivm.nlNetherlands

Minnesota HF 4731 Proposes Health Department Report On Lead-Containing Bullets Retained In The Body

Minnesota has introduced legislation (HF 4731) requiring a health department report by January 2027 on the long-term medical and toxicological impacts of lead ammunition fragments. While currently a reporting mandate, the study's recommendations are expected to drive future policy aimed at restricting lead-based ammunition or implementing new consumer safety disclosures.

27 Mar 2026, 07:57revisor.mn.govUnited States

US House Bill H.R. 7779 Proposes Environmental Research Programme on Neurodegenerative Disease Risk Factors

US House Bill H.R. 7779, introduced in March 2026, proposes a $250 million federal research program to investigate links between environmental toxicants and neurodegenerative diseases. Increased federal focus on PFAS, VOCs, and heavy metals signals a long-term shift toward more stringent health-based risk assessments and potential future substance restrictions.

26 Mar 2026, 19:24govinfo.govUnited States

New York Senate Introduces Bill S09539 On School Drinking Water Lead Reporting

New York introduced Senate Bill S09539 to establish a transparent reporting system and a five-year mitigation plan for lead in school drinking water. This move toward centralized data and mandatory remediation tracking signals heightened regulatory scrutiny on water infrastructure and potential future requirements for fixture upgrades.

26 Mar 2026, 19:07assembly.state.ny.usUnited States

Croatian State Inspectorate Withdraws SNIFFIT Nasal Energy Powder From Market (Safety Gate/RAPEX)

Croatia has mandated the immediate withdrawal of SNIFFIT nasal energy powder from the market following a Safety Gate (RAPEX) alert for acute health risks. This action signals heightened enforcement against novel stimulant delivery formats and underscores the speed of EU-wide market surveillance for non-compliant consumer products.

25 Mar 2026, 21:45dirh.gov.hrCroatiaEuropean Union

US NIH Invests Over $150 Million in Human-Based NAMs to Reduce Animal Testing

The US NIH has launched a $150 million initiative to accelerate the development and regulatory validation of human-based New Approach Methodologies (NAMs) to replace animal testing. This investment signals a strategic shift in US regulatory science, likely leading to new standardized non-animal protocols for chemical and pharmaceutical safety assessments.

25 Mar 2026, 21:37nih.govUnited States

New York Assembly Bill A10681 Would Require Certified Point-Of-Use Lead Filtration In Schools

New York Assembly Bill A10681, introduced in March 2026, proposes mandatory installation of certified lead-removal filtration at high-risk school drinking water outlets. This move toward point-of-use remediation signals a shift in infrastructure requirements, driving demand for NSF/ANSI 53 certified filtration systems and stricter water quality monitoring.

25 Mar 2026, 21:35nysenate.govUnited States

Hawaii Bill SB671 Proposes Ban on Certain Dangerous Pesticides on State Lands

Hawaii is advancing legislation (SB671) to ban the use of glyphosate, dicamba, and other "dangerous pesticides" on all state-owned lands and facilities. This signals a shift toward stricter local pesticide management that will require contractors to adopt alternative substances for state-managed infrastructure and landscaping.

22 Mar 2026, 14:08capitol.hawaii.govUnited States

Minnesota Senate Agriculture Committee Adds Paraquat Dichloride Ban Bill (SF 4160) to 23 March 2026 Hearing Agenda

Minnesota is advancing legislation to ban paraquat dichloride pesticides, with a proposed sales prohibition starting in 2027 and a total use ban by 2028. Businesses should evaluate the impact on herbicide portfolios and prepare for potential mandatory state-led disposal of existing inventory.

20 Mar 2026, 16:18senate.mnUnited States

California DPR Lists CYKILL Rodenticide Bait (Bromethalin) for Evaluation (PRO-2402197)

California DPR has initiated the evaluation of CYKILL Rodenticide Bait (Bromethalin) for Section 3 registration as of March 2026. This review signals potential shifts in the availability of vertebrate control products, requiring manufacturers to monitor registration outcomes for impacts on market access and labeling compliance.

14 Mar 2026, 08:25content.govdelivery.comUnited States

New Jersey Proposes Ban on Crayon and Chalk Products Containing Lead (Assembly Bill A4705)

New Jersey is advancing legislation to prohibit the sale of crayons and chalk containing lead, reintroducing a measure from previous sessions. This proposal signals persistent regulatory pressure on heavy metals in children's products, necessitating proactive supply chain verification and material substitution.

12 Mar 2026, 20:34njleg.state.nj.usUnited States

Japan Proposes Designating Four Substances as Shitei Yakubutsu Under PMD Act

Japan is designating four new psychoactive substances as "Shitei Yakubutsu" under the PMD Act, effective March 14, 2026. This action imposes a strict ban on manufacture, import, and sale, necessitating immediate inventory and supply chain reviews to mitigate compliance risks.

12 Mar 2026, 14:50eping.wto.orgJapan

ECHA Article 46 Decision Requiring OECD TG 408 Study for EC 300-340-2

ECHA has mandated a 90-day oral toxicity study for EC 300-340-2 under REACH Article 46, with results due by May 2028. The findings will determine if the substance faces future SVHC identification or harmonized classification for endocrine disruption and neurotoxicity, impacting long-term portfolio viability.

12 Mar 2026, 13:41echa.europa.euEuropean UnionSweden

EU RASFF Flags Chlorpyrifos MRL Exceedance in Limes from Brazil

EU authorities have initiated a recall of Brazilian limes following the detection of chlorpyrifos residues exceeding legal limits. This enforcement highlights the critical need for robust pesticide screening and supplier compliance audits for agricultural imports into the European market.

12 Mar 2026, 11:18webgate.ec.europa.euEuropean UnionFranceBrazil

Netherlands (RIVM) Reviews Genetic Susceptibility to Parkinson's Disease in NAM-Based Pesticide Risk Assessment

The Dutch RIVM has published a framework for incorporating genetic susceptibility into non-animal risk assessments for pesticide-linked Parkinson’s disease. This signals a long-term shift toward more granular, personalized hazard assessments that may eventually increase data requirements and testing complexity for pesticide approvals.

11 Mar 2026, 17:22sciencedirect.comNetherlands

EcoWaste Coalition Warns Of High-Mercury Pakistan-Made Skin-Lightening Creams

NGO testing reveals extreme mercury contamination in skin-lightening products, far exceeding Minamata Convention limits. Heightened enforcement and e-commerce scrutiny signal increasing liability for retailers and platforms failing to screen for prohibited toxic ingredients.

11 Mar 2026, 16:48personalcareinsights.comGlobalPakistan