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Home Our Mission Recycling Plastics Air Water Land Lifestyles Economy & Politics Media & Awards Potential Health Risks Previous Next Potential Illnesses Posed by Extensive Microplastic Exposure Cardiovascular diseases : Some research has drawn associations between microplastics and poor cardiovascular health. Cancer : Chemicals found in plastics are known to cause various cancers. Metabolic disorders : There are concerns about metabolic issues related to microplastic exposure. Reproductive issues : Studies in animals have shown reduced sperm count and quality, ovarian scarring, and metabolic disorders in offspring. Cognitive decline : Research on mice has shown signs of cognitive decline similar to dementia after exposure to microplastics. Respiratory issues : Microplastics have been found in lung tissue, raising concerns about respiratory health. HARMFUL CHEMICALS IN MPs MPs are composed of various chemicals. A recent study has found over 10,000 different chemicals used in plastics, and of these, over 2,400 of them including Endocrine-Disrupting Chemicals (EDCs),are potentially harmful and toxic. Here are some examples. (B) BPA/ Bisphenol A Studies indicate a possible association between exposure to BPA, increased blood pressure, and a heightened risk for type 2 diabetes, children’s behavioral problem, and cardiovascular disease. (C ,B) Brominated flame retardants Exposure to flame retardants can cause neurological damage, hormone disruption, and cancer. One of the biggest potential dangers of some flame retardants is that they bio-accumulate in humans, causing long -term chronic health problems as bodies contain higher and higher levels of these toxic chemicals. (C,B) Phathalates Human epidemiological studies have demonstrated a correlation between exposure to phthalates and adverse reproductive effects in both males and females. Exposure can cause a range of other health issues as well, including type II diabetes, insulin resistance, obesity, 13 allergies, and asthma. (C,B) Nonylphenols Nonylphenol is an endocrine-disrupting chemical that can interfere with normal hormonal processes, resulting in the early onset of menstruation, reduced sperm count, and impaired reproductive health. (C,B) Perfluoroalkyl and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) High exposure may reduce human fertility. Several studies have indicated a correlation between the presence of PFAS in human blood and an increase in both total cholesterol and non-HDL cholesterol levels. (C,D) Citations: C. Diamanti-Kandarakis E, Bourguignon JP, Giudice LC, Hauser R, Prins GS, Soto AM, Zoeller RT, Gore AC. Endocrine-disrupting chemicals: an Endocrine Society scientific statement. Endocr Rev. 2009 Jun;30(4): 293-342. doi: 10.1210/er.2009-0002. PMID: 19502515; PMCID: PMC2726844 D. Rotchell JM, Jenner LC, Chapman E, Bennett RT, Bolanle IO, Loubani M, et al. (2023) Detection of microplastics in human saphenous vein tissue using μ FTIR: A pilot study. PLoS ONE 18(2): e0280594. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal . pone.0280594 E. Horvatits T, Tamminga M, Liu B, Sebode M, Carambia A, Fischer L, Püschel K, Huber S, Fischer EK. Microplastics detected in cirrhotic liver tissue. EBioMedicine. 2022 Aug;82:104147. doi:10.1016/j.ebiom. 2022.104147. Epub 2022 Jul 11. PMID: 35835713; PMCID: PMC9386716 www.sciencenews.org Microplastics are in our bodies. Here's why we don't know the health risks Researchers are racing to try to understand how much humans are exposed and what levels are toxic. www.aamc.org Microplastics are inside us all. What does that mean for our health? Tiny plastic particles have been found throughout the human body, but researchers say they’re just starting to understand the impact. magazine.hms.harvard.edu Microplastics Everywhere The tiny particles are even in our bodies. What might this mean for our health?

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Home Our Mission Recycling Plastics Air Water Land Lifestyles Economy & Politics Media & Awards Microplastics Are Reaching Our Bones Previous Next Microplastics Are Reaching Our Bones What has been found - Scientists have discovered tiny plastic particles lodged deep inside human bones, cartilage, and the soft discs between vertebrae. These pieces are extremely small, about the size of a grain of dust or smaller. - In bone tissue, there were on average a couple dozen particles per gram of tissue. Cartilage had slightly more, and the soft cushions between spinal bones had the most, with several dozen particles per gram. - The plastics identified are common ones we use every day, such as polypropylene (packaging and clothing fibers), polystyrene (foam cups and containers), and EVA (shoes, mats, and sports gear). - Another team studied bone marrow, the spongy tissue that makes blood cells, and found microplastics in every sample. The levels varied, but on average there were dozens of micrograms of plastic per gram of marrow. - In simple terms, plastic pollution is no longer just in the environment; it is now being found inside the very structures that make up the human body. Study 1: Bone, cartilage, and intervertebral discs study (Environment International, 2025) - Samples came from postmortem human tissues. - Researchers examined osteochondral tissue (bone + cartilage) and intervertebral discs. - The study included a relatively small number of donors, but every type of tissue tested contained microplastic particles. Study 2: Bone marrow study (Environmental Research, 2024, PubMed ID: 39079299) - Samples were collected from 16 human bone marrow specimens. - Microplastics were detected in all 16 samples. Possible health implications - The presence of microplastics in bones and bone marrow suggests they are entering deep into body tissues, likely via blood circulation. - They may affect bone health through several pathways: * Causing inflammation * Disrupting the balance of bone remodeling (more breakdown versus less formation) * Affecting stem cell viability in bone marrow, which is important for regenerating bone and supporting the immune system * In animal studies, exposure to certain microplastics was linked with weaker bone structure, slower bone growth, and changes in bone micro-architecture. Unknowns and Caveats - Human health risk: Microplastics are now confirmed in human bone, cartilage, intervertebral discs, and bone marrow, but it is not yet known whether these particles cause disease in living people. - Study limitations: The findings so far come from a small number of postmortem human tissue samples and 16 bone marrow samples, along with supporting evidence from animal studies. The long-term effects on bone strength, marrow function, and overall human health are still uncertain. Sources: https://www.sciencedirect.com/.../pii/S0160412025000674 https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39079299/ https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39079299/ https://www.sciencedirect.com/.../pii/S0160412025000674 #microplastics #microplastic #pollution #plastic #plasticpollution #pfas #EDC #human #environment #animals #sustainable #sustainability #ctdp #connectingthedotsproject #sustainable #ecofriendly #protection

Home Our Mission Recycling Plastics Air Water Land Lifestyles Economy & Politics Media & Awards Food Assistance Programs in US: Food Insecurity and Unhealthy Diet Previous Next

Home Our Mission Recycling Plastics Air Water Land Lifestyles Economy & Politics Media & Awards High Risk Population: Children and Adolescents Previous Next CHILDREN AND ADOLESCENTS ARE A HIGH RISK Developmental stage: Children and youths are in a critical stage of development and that makes them more vulnerable to the negative impacts of exposure to toxic chemicals and pollutants. (F) MPs can contain Endocrine-Disrupting Chemicals (EDCs), which can interfere with early development (F, G) Early-life exposure to low levels of EDCs can result in developmental defects and long-term neurological consequences in offspring, along with behavioral, memory, learning, and neuro-degenerative issues later in life. Studies suggest EDCs exposure during puberty may predispose individuals to breast cancer later in life (G) Higher intake of food and water per unit of body weight: Because children have higher intake of water and food per unit of body weight, they may have higher intake of MPs. (A,F) Activity behavior: MPs can be found at beaches, parks and gyms, increasing risk of exposure in youth through inhalation or skin contact (A,E) Lack of knowledge and awareness: Children and youths may not be aware of the risks associated with MP exposure, or may not be informed of how to reduce their exposure. Early intervention: MPs can accumulate in the human body, causing various health effects, including growth and reproduction issues, oxidative stress, inflammation, and weakened immunity. (F, G) As youths and children have longer life expectancies than adults, early-life exposure to MPs may lead to long-term and chronic issues. Eating and drinking habit : Youth are more likely to eat food or drink beverages that have been packaged in plastic products, increasing their exposure (A, E, F) CHILDREN AND YOUTH IN MARGINALIZED COMMUNITIES ARE AT HIGHER RISK Marginalized communities are often located near sources of plastic pollution, such as landfills, factories, and toxic waste sites. Food deserts in these communities may contributed to MP exposure,due to plastic packaging of food, single use plastic utensils and water bottles, that are easily accessible at convenience and fast-food stores. Marginalized communities, particularly those in urban areas, may be located in food deserts, which are areas without easy access to fresh, healthy, and affordable food. Children and their families who live in these communities are often reliant on convenience stores and fast -food restaurants, which package foods in plastics or use single use plastic utensils, bottles etc., increasing their exposure to MPs. Higher exposure to MPs in these communities can also be due to occupational disparities, working in factories, food industry, and environmental health. (G) Citations: A . Meeker John D., Sathyanarayaba Sheela and Swan Shanna H. 2009 Phthalates and other additives in plastics: human exposure and associated health outcomes. Phil. Trans. R. Soc. B3642097–2113. https://doi.org/10.1098/rstb.2008.0268 E. Horvatits T, Tamminga M, Liu B, Sebode M, Carambia A, Fischer L, Püschel K, Huber S, Fischer EK. Microplastics detected in cirrhotic liver tissue. EBioMedicine. 2022 Aug;82:104147. doi:10.1016/j.ebiom. 2022.104147. Epub 2022 Jul 11. PMID: 35835713; PMCID: PMC9386716 F. Sripada K, Wierzbicka A, Abass K, Grimalt J. O., Erbe A, Rollin H. B., Weihe P, Diaz G J, Singh R R, Visnes T, Rautio A, Odland O, Wagner M. A Children’s Health Perspective on Nano and Microplastics. Environmental Health Perspectives. 2022 https://doi.org/101/1289/EHP9086 G. Binder AM, Corvalan C, Pereira A, Calafat AM, Ye X, Shepherd J, Michels KB. Prepubertal and Pubertal Endocrine-Disrupting Chemical Exposure and Breast Density among Chilean Adolescents. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev. 2018 Dec;27(12):1491-1499. doi:10.1158/1055-9965.EPI-17-0813. Epub 2018 Aug 29. PMID: 30158279; PMCID: PMC6541222

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Home Our Mission Recycling Plastics Air Water Land Lifestyles Economy & Politics Media & Awards Microplastics Found In Human Bodies Previous Next Microplastics Found In Human Bodies Citation: D. Rotchell JM, Jenner LC, Chapman E, Bennett RT, Bolanle IO, Loubani M, et al. (2023) Detection of microplastics in human saphenous vein tissue using μ FTIR: A pilot study. PLoS ONE 18(2): e0280594. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal . pone.0280594 E. Horvatits T, Tamminga M, Liu B, Sebode M, Carambia A, Fischer L, Püschel K, Huber S, Fischer EK. Microplastics detected in cirrhotic liver tissue. EBioMedicine. 2022 Aug;82:104147. doi:10.1016/j.ebiom. 2022.104147. Epub 2022 Jul 11. PMID: 35835713; PMCID: PMC9386716 F. Sripada K, Wierzbicka A, Abass K, Grimalt J. O., Erbe A, Rollin H. B., Weihe P, Diaz G J, Singh R R, Visnes T, Rautio A, Odland O, Wagner M. A Children’s Health Perspective on Nano and Microplastics. Environmental Health Perspectives. 2022 https://doi.org/101/1289/EHP9086 G. Binder AM, Corvalan C, Pereira A, Calafat AM, Ye X, Shepherd J, Michels KB. Prepubertal and Pubertal Endocrine-Disrupting Chemical Exposure and Breast Density among Chilean Adolescents. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev. 2018 Dec;27(12):1491-1499. doi:10.1158/1055-9965.EPI-17-0813. Epub 2018 Aug 29. PMID: 30158279; PMCID: PMC6541222 H. https://www.oecd-forum-org/posts/child-brain-develoment-in-pollution-sacrifice-zones-a-call-o-action- accessed 3_28_2023 I. Plasticenta: First evidence of microplastics in human placenta Ragusa A;Svelato A;Santacroce C;Catalano P;Notarstefano V;Carnevali O; Papa F;Rongioletti MCA;Baiocco F;Draghi S;D'Amore E;Rinaldo D;Matta M;Giorgini E J. Durable Plastic Goods: A Source of Microplastics and Chemical Additives in the Built and Natural Environments. Environmental Science & Technology Letters 2022, 9 (10) , 798-807. https://doi.org/10.1021/acs.estlett.2c00417 Hua Zhou, Ye Wang, Yue Ren, Zhenhua Li, Xianggui Kong, Mingfei Shao, Haohong Duan.

Home Our Mission Recycling Plastics Air Water Land Lifestyles Economy & Politics Media & Awards Home Our Mission Recycling Publications & Awards Air Water Land Lifestyles Economy Forum USDA organic certification process The USDA organic certification specifically applies to agricultural products. Processed food products can use the "USDA Organic" seal if they meet the organic content requirements (95% or more organic ingredients for most products) and comply with additional labeling regulations. The USDA National Organic Program (NOP) sets the standards and regulations for organic agricultural production, handling, and labeling. Here are the key qualifications for organic products: USDA Organic Certification & Processed Foods:✅ 1)The USDA organic certification applies to agricultural products, and processed foods can carry the "USDA Organic" seal if they meet the 95% organic ingredient requirement and follow labeling regulations. 2) USDA National Organic Program (NOP): ✅ The NOP sets the federal standards for organic production, handling, and labeling. 3) Organic Farming Methods (Ecological Balance & Biodiversity): ✅ Organic farming prohibits synthetic fertilizers, pesticides, GMOs, sewage sludge, and irradiation while promoting biodiversity and ecological balance. Certification Process: ✅ Farmers and processors must be certified by an accredited certifying agent, submit records, and undergo inspections. Organic Seeds Requirement: ✅ Organic seeds must be used whenever commercially available. If unavailable, non-organic seeds may be used only if they are untreated and non-GMO. Soil Health & Fertility: ✅ Organic farmers prioritize soil-building techniques like crop rotation, cover cropping, composting, and using natural amendments. Synthetic Substances in Organic Farming: ✅ The use of synthetic fertilizers, pesticides, and herbicides is prohibited, though some natural and approved synthetic substances are allowed under strict regulations. Organic Livestock Standards: ✅ Organic livestock must have access to pasture (for ruminants), receive organic feed, and be raised without GMOs, antibiotics, or growth hormones. Preventive healthcare measures are required, but certain synthetic medications may be allowed under strict conditions. Record-Keeping & Labeling: ✅ Organic farmers and processors must keep detailed records, and organic labels must comply with USDA organic content requirements. Source: https://www.ams.usda.gov/rules-regulations/organic/labeling ←Previous Next→

Home Our Mission Recycling Plastics Air Water Land Lifestyles Economy & Politics Media & Awards Home Our Mission Recycling Publications & Awards Air Water Land Lifestyles Economy Forum Enhancing Safety Through Quality and Maintenance Minimizing the Risks of E-Scooter and E-Bike Related Fires The e-bike revolution, which gained significant momentum during the pandemic, has been widely celebrated as a solution to various urban challenges, from alleviating traffic congestion and reducing greenhouse gas emissions to promoting fitness and combating depression. However, lurking beneath this wave of enthusiasm is a darker and potentially deadly side: e-bike lithium-ion battery fires. e-bike Why Do Battery Fires Happen? Understanding why these battery fires occur is critical to preventing them. There are both chemical and practical reasons behind these incidents. Chemically, lithium-ion cells can undergo a process known as thermal runaway. This process involves a sharp rise in battery cell temperature and pressure, often accompanied by the release of flammable gas. If this gas ignites due to the high battery temperature, it can lead to a rapid and challenging-to-extinguish fire that emits toxic fumes. What triggers the release of flammable gas and the subsequent increase in battery temperature? The answer varies, but experts point to cheap e-bikes and low-quality batteries as significant contributors to these fires. These low-quality batteries may be produced with substandard manufacturing processes. When battery companies cut corners or employ inferior materials, defects can occur that cause cells to expand and bulge. This expansion can eventually lead to bursting, which, in turn, can initiate thermal runaway. Leo Raudys, President and CEO of Call2Recycle, a nonprofit battery-recycling program, underscores the importance of quality, stating, "You just have to remember, you get what you pay for. These batteries are highly engineered devices, and if you’re only spending a couple of hundred bucks on a battery, you’re probably getting one that’s cutting corners in a number of different places.” New York City stands out as a concerning example, where e-bike-related fires have surged in recent years. The FDNY reported a doubling of these incidents annually from 2020 to 2022. As of July 3, 2023, there have been 114 investigations into lithium-ion fires, resulting in 74 injuries and 13 tragic deaths this year alone. While the FDNY doesn't break down the statistics by the types of devices causing the fires, a staggering 80 of these incidents occurred within structures such as homes, buildings, and offices. Footage from WFMY news Here are recommended preventive measures to consider. * Purchase Quality Equipment: Invest in reputable e-bike and e-scooter brands known for their quality and safety. * Look for UL Certification: Ensure that the product, including the battery, motor, and charger, has a UL (Underwriters Laboratories) certification mark. * Follow Manufacturer's Instructions: Always follow the manufacturer's instructions for charging and storage. Use the manufacturer's recommended cord and power adapter designed specifically for the device. * Avoid Overcharging: Avoid overcharging your batteries. Keep them within the 10% to 80% charge range whenever possible. Overcharging can lead to overheating, which increases the risk of fires. * Proper Charging Locations: Do not charge your e-bike or e-scooter under your pillow, on your bed, or on a couch. Charge them in well-ventilated areas away from flammable materials. * Monitor Battery Health: Regularly inspect your battery for any signs of damage, unusual smells, strange noises, or changes in shape or color. If you notice any issues, take action immediately. * Avoid DIY Modifications: Refrain from attempting DIY modifications or refurbishing your battery. Tampering with the battery can compromise its safety features and increase the risk of fires. * Dispose of Batteries Properly: Do not dispose of batteries in the trash or at home. Look for local battery recycling locations to properly dispose of old batteries. Many e-bike shops participate in battery recycling programs. * Charge Away from Exits: If possible, charge your e-bike or e-scooter away from exits to ensure a quick escape in case of a fire. * Extreme Temperatures: Avoid riding e-bikes in extremely cold temperatures below -5 degrees Fahrenheit, as it can affect battery performance. * Regular Maintenance: If you have a used e-bike, have it checked by a reputable e-bike shop to ensure it is in good condition, especially the battery. If you're considering a used e-bike, exercise caution. Before purchasing, have the bike thoroughly inspected to ensure it's roadworthy. Be cautious when dealing with inexpensive bikes, those with old or replaced batteries, or bikes with unknown manufacturers. Battery quality is paramount when assessing the safety of a used e-bike. Many reputable e-bike shops today offer battery health assessments. Sources: https://apnews.com/.../ebike-fires-lithium-ion-batteries ... https://www.nfpa.org/ebikes https://www.peopleforbikes.org/.../ebike-act-reintroduced ... video by https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_65GwUliX-w ←Previous Next→