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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 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 PFAS Contamination: Understanding the Risks and Challenges of Soil Remediation Recently, concerns over PFAS, known as "forever chemicals," have been making headlines since the initial report of a $10.3 billion settlement with 3M. PFAS is a group of human-made chemicals that have been widely used in various industrial and consumer products since the 1940s. PFAS is used to repel oil, grease, water, and stains, making them useful in non-stick cookware, stain-resistant fabrics, water-resistant coatings, and firefighting foams. Some studies suggest that exposure to PFAS may be linked to health issues, including kidney and testicular cancer, thyroid disease, low birth weights, immune system dysfunction, and developmental effects in infants and children. Today, let's think about the scenario if our backyard soil was contaminated with PFAS. I have been wondering how soil can be remediated after a house fire or fire fighting drills. First and foremost, it is essential to consult a specialist or the local EPA to get the soil assessed if you are concerned about contamination. The remediation processes are complex, extreme, costly, and often dangerous, as we are dealing with "forever chemicals." But that is how the chemical earned its notoriety with its characteristics to endure extreme conditions. Examples of currently known removal methods are the immobilization method using activated carbon (GAC), soil washing, thermal treatment (1000°C), deep excavation, and ex-situ methods. I must emphasize that these methods should only be implemented by professionals, so please DO NOT TRY THIS IF YOU ARE NOT A TRAINED SPECIALIST. Anyway, you may be wondering if raising the soil level can prevent contamination or you could still enjoy gardening veggies in your yard. Here is a summary of what I have read so far: raising the soil level in a garden will not directly address PFAS contamination. PFAS compounds can migrate through the soil and contaminate groundwater, which can then be taken up by plants. Simply adding more soil on top will not eliminate or reduce the presence of PFAS in the underlying soil. Therefore, if you live on or around contaminated grounds and wish to grow edible plants, it is advisable to use planting pots and avoid the use of well water for these plants. Sources: https://pubs.acs.org/doi/10.1021/acs.est.0c03058 https://www.sciencedirect.com/.../abs/pii/S0301479719316147 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5954436/ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5954436/ ←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 AI Data Centers Are Driving Up Electricity Bills, Even for Non-Users AI Data Centers Are Driving Up Electricity Bills, Even for Non-Users Artificial intelligence (AI) is transforming industries, but its growth comes with hidden costs. Across the U.S., electricity bills are rising for households, even for people who never use AI tools. The increases are steep enough to shock consumers and policymakers alike. Energy Surge AI models like ChatGPT require massive amounts of computing power. The data centers that run them already consume about 4.4% of U.S. electricity (Harvard Law School). The International Energy Agency projects their demand could more than quadruple by 2030, making data centers one of the fastest-growing users of power. Higher Bills Capacity market prices illustrate the scale of the problem. 2024/2025: $28.92 per Mega Watt/ day 2025/2026: $269.92 per Mega Watt/ day 2026/2027: $329.17 per Mega Watt/ day That is nearly a tenfold increase in just two years (PJM, Utility Dive, IEEFA). Rising wholesale prices are already affecting consumers. In areas such as Chicago and New Jersey, residential electricity bills have jumped between 25% and 45% year-over-year, with data center demand cited as a contributing factor. Environmental Impact Most data centers run on fossil-fuel-dominated grids, driving up greenhouse gas emissions. Their cooling systems can consume millions of gallons of water each day, adding strain to ecosystems and communities, particularly in drought-prone regions. Why Consumers (but not AI companies) Are Responsible For the Bill? Because data centers draw power from shared grids, their rising demand drives up market prices. Current utility rules pass much of this cost onto the general public rather than directly onto the companies responsible for the consumption. The Takeaway AI brings tremendous opportunities, but its energy appetite is driving up household bills and straining the environment. Even those who do not use AI directly are paying the price. Sustainable practices and stronger policies will be essential to keep the benefits of AI from overwhelming communities and ecosystems. Sources: https://www.pjm.com/.../20250722-pjm-auction-procures ... https://www.utilitydive.com/.../pjm-interconnection.../ https://ieefa.org/.../projected-data-center-growth-spurs ... https://www.forbes.com/.../world-changing-ai-is-raising.../ https://www.newsweek.com/ai-data-centers-why-electric ... https://www.usatoday.com/.../why-is-my.../86024026007/ https://apnews.com/.../electricity-prices-data-centers ... https://www.nbcchicago.com/.../how-ai-data.../3821576/ #energy #consumers #fossilfuel #power #powergrid #AI #artificialInteligence #datacenters #electricbill #electricity #electric #power #inflation #electricbill #PJM #energysurge #money #sustainable #sustainability #tech #technology #environment #carbonfootprint #environmentalimpact #ctdp #ConnectingTheDotsProject ←Previous Next→