Plastics Reckoning: PVC Is Ubiquitous, But Maybe Not for Long
Used in everything from water pipes to vinyl records, PVC has long attracted criticism: a key ingredient is carcinogenic, and its additives include known endocrine disruptors. Now, the EPA is evaluating PVC’s safety, and an emerging global plastics treaty may limit its use.
Foods We Eat Are Covered in Plastics That May Be Causing a Rise in Premature Births, Study Says
Premature births are on the rise, yet experts aren’t sure why. Now, researchers have found synthetic chemicals called phthalates used in clear food packaging and personal care products could be a culprit, according to a new study.
Microplastics Pose Risk to Ocean Plankton, Climate, Other Key Earth Systems
An estimated 12 million metric tons of plastic currently enters the ocean each year. This plastic debris gradually breaks down into smaller and smaller fragments — micro- and nanoplastics — which, while less visually striking, can have serious effects on marine ecosystems and may even pose a threat to the stability of Earth’s climate. A recent estimate suggests that as much as 358 trillion microplastic particles are floating on the surface of the world’s oceans, with untold trillions more in deeper reaches.
Dark Plastics
If your home has HDPE plastic containers— it almost certainly does; look for the No. 2—you should know some of it may have been treated with a process called fluorination. And you might be exposing yourself to PFAS, the “forever chemicals.”
For the Love of God, Stop Microwaving Plastic
A study of baby-food containers shows that microwaving plastic releases millions upon millions of polymer bits.
Ohio Activists Join National Groups to Deliver Petition to EPA to Ban Vinyl Chloride
Environmental and community groups are calling on the US EPA agency to ban vinyl chloride, a chemical used to make PVC pipes and many other consumer products. It’s also the chemical vented from five derailed train cars in East Palestine, Ohio earlier this year and burned, resulting in an explosion. The groups submitted 27,570 signatures to the agency this week.
Ohio residents rally in DC for Vinyl Chloride ban, Emergency Aid
East Palestine residents were in Washington, D.C., on Thursday, hoping to reach lawmakers and influence a ban on vinyl chloride nearly six months after a devastating Norfolk Southern train derailment released the toxic chemical into their community.
New Report Warns About Human Health Risks From PVC Pipes Used in Drinking Water Systems
A report released Tuesday by a coalition of U.S. environmental advocacy groups warned of the health risks of PVC plastic and urged public officials against using the material in community drinking water pipes. PVC is made with vinyl chloride, the same hazardous material released in the fiery train derailment that triggered a public health and environmental crisis in East Palestine, Ohio. It's also a known carcinogen and endocrine disruptor.
Microplastics cause damage to human cells, study shows
Microplastics cause damage to human cells in the laboratory at the levels known to be eaten by people via their food, a study has found.
Chemicals used in packaging may play role in 100,000 US deaths a year – study
Phthalates, also found in consumer goods, may contribute to loss of life among older Americans costing US $40-47bn a year.
How a Retired Louisiana Teacher Bagged the “Green Nobel Prize”
A retired special education teacher from Louisiana who led a successful grassroots campaign to stop construction of a toxic plastics plant in America’s Cancer Alley has won the 2021 Goldman prize for environmental defenders.
Canada Declares Plastics Toxic, Paving the Way for Restrictions
Plastic is now considered toxic under Canada’s primary environmental law—the Canadian Environmental Protection Act (CEPA)—the Trudeau government announced Wednesday.
Plastic Is Falling From the Sky. But Where’s It Coming From?
At any given time, 1,100 tons of microplastic are floating over the western US. New modeling shows the surprising sources of the nefarious pollutant.
Airborne plastic pollution ‘spiralling around the globe’, study finds
Rising levels of microplastic pollution raise questions about the impact on human health, experts say.
Letter to the Editor: Back the Movement to Escape From Plastic
To protect our bodies and our unborn children’s health, we have a role to play — call your members of Congress and urge them to support the Break Free from Plastic Pollution Act.
Plastic particles pass from mothers into foetuses, rat study shows
Nanoparticles found in foetal brains and hearts, but impact on human health is as yet unknown.
Reproductive Problems in Both Men and Women Are Rising at an Alarming Rate
The annual decline in reproductive health is faster than the rate of global warming, and is likely caused by hormone-disrupting chemicals.
No more babies? The hormone-altering chemicals threatening human procreation
Sperm counts are set to reach zero in 2045, leading scholar Shanna Swan says.
The Nature of Plastics: Explorations at the edge of the artificial
An NGO representative to the UN from the Women’s Book Association spotlights the harm done by plastics on the environment and ourselves.
Huge, Global Study of Plastic Toys Finds Over 100 Substances That May Harm Children
The potential health risks of chemicals used in plastic toys have had scientists concerned for years, but new research reveals just how widespread the risk of harm to children remains.