All articles tagged with #plastic pollution
A settlement over nurdle spills along San Diego-area rail lines leads BNSF Railway, the Coastal Environmental Rights Foundation, San Diego Coastkeeper, and the North County Transit District to adopt nationwide policies requiring sealed plastic-pellet rail cars, penalties for non-compliance, and a donation to local cleanup efforts, in an effort to curb plastic-pellet pollution.
A Lancet Planetary Health analysis estimates plastic pollution caused about 2.1 million global disability-adjusted life years in 2016 and could rise to roughly 4.5 million by 2040. Health harms come primarily from upstream plastic production and associated pollution rather than waste alone. The study argues for a cradle-to-grave, system-wide shift—reducing primary production while improving reuse and waste management—and urges stronger government action and industry transparency to curb the plastics health crisis.
A new study shows heat is the main driver of microplastic release from takeaway cups: all-plastic cups shed more particles than plastic-lined paper cups, and hotter beverages increase particle release. The researchers found a 300 mL daily hot coffee in polyethylene could lead to about 363,000 microplastics ingested annually. While long‑term health effects remain uncertain, the findings suggest using reusable cups or cooler drinks to reduce exposure, and avoiding pouring boiling liquids into plastic-lined containers.
A recent study highlights the health risks of drinking bottled water, revealing that individuals who consume it daily ingest nearly 90,000 microplastic particles annually, which may contribute to inflammation, cell damage, and increased cancer risk, emphasizing the importance of switching to reusable water bottles for health and environmental reasons.
Scientists in Germany have developed a fish-inspired filter that removes 99% of microplastics from laundry wastewater, aiming to reduce plastic pollution entering waterways and the environment, with potential to mitigate health risks associated with microplastics.
Research shows that people who drink bottled water daily ingest nearly 90,000 more microplastic particles annually, raising concerns about long-term health effects and highlighting the need for better regulation and sustainable water solutions.
A woman undergoes at-home microplastics testing revealing high levels in her blood, prompting lifestyle changes to reduce plastic exposure, while experts emphasize the need for more research on health impacts and advocate for better regulation and awareness.
The report updates on plastic pollution, highlighting that without urgent global action, plastic entering the environment will nearly double by 2040, causing severe health, environmental, and climate impacts. It emphasizes the need for transformative policies to reduce plastic production, improve waste management, and shift towards a circular economy to mitigate these risks and create economic opportunities.
Southern Water is responsible for a significant plastic pellet spill at Camber Sands, likely caused by a filter failure at their Eastbourne wastewater treatment plant, leading to extensive pollution and a large-scale cleanup effort, with authorities investigating and emphasizing the environmental impact.
A recent review suggests that microplastics may contribute to vascular dementia by damaging brain blood vessels, with new classifications of the disease highlighting overlaps with Alzheimer's and the potential role of plastic particles in brain pathology, prompting a reevaluation of dementia research and treatment approaches.
Rescuers used a drone to locate a sea lion in the Salish Sea with plastic around her neck, sedated her, and successfully removed the plastic, allowing her to recover and return to her family, thanks to the coordinated efforts of multiple organizations.
A recent study reveals that drinking from plastic bottles exposes individuals to significantly more microplastics—up to 90,000 additional particles annually—compared to tap water, raising health concerns and suggesting the use of reusable bottles made of stainless steel or glass as safer alternatives.
New research indicates that microplastic particles are present in all examined endometrial tissues and are significantly higher in cancerous tissues, potentially disrupting metabolic pathways and contributing to the development of endometrial cancer, raising concerns about the broader impact of plastic pollution on women's reproductive health.
A rare pygmy sperm whale found off Honduras died after ingesting an 11-inch plastic bag, highlighting the devastating impact of ocean plastics on marine life, especially vulnerable species like this elusive whale, and emphasizing the need for global and individual efforts to reduce plastic waste.
Scientists warn that a chemical in many sunscreens, EHMC, may prolong plastic life in water and promote harmful biofilms, posing risks to marine ecosystems and human health, prompting calls for further research and policy action.