Study finds up to 6000 particles/L to be released from disposable drinking cups; scientists estimate humans ingest 37,613β89,294 microplastics through plastic cups use per year; study suggests consumption from plastic containers changes human gut and oral microbiota composition; review concludes that uptake of microplastics carrying pathogens may impact human health
Researchers associate diet and microplastics with EDC exposure
Epidemiological studies investigate association between diet and endocrine-disrupting chemical (EDC) exposure; find recommended healthy diets not protective against EDC exposure; report association of plastic-free diet with reduced urinary bisphenol A (BPA) in children; researchers performing bioaccessibility tests using gut fluids find release of phthalates and BPA from microplastics may pose human health risk
Prolonged exposure to BPA after dermal contact
Scientists show uptake and elimination of bisphenol A after dermal contact are slower than after ingestion; findings suggest higher steady state levels after repeated dermal exposures
UNEA: 175 nations agree to develop plastic pollution treaty
Fifth meeting of the United Nations Environmental Assembly (UNEA) in Nairobi unanimously agrees to the development of a legally binding treaty to end plastic pollution; development process including consultations to begin by end of 2022, treaty expected by the end of 2024
Recyclates in packaging – challenges and solutions
MEPs propose to ban most hazardous plastics by 2020
European Parliament passes resolution on plastic waste, proposes to phase out landfilling, plastic bags and most hazardous additives by 2020
GAIA: chemical recycling a distraction not solution
Alliance of non-governmental organizations Global Initiative for Incinerator Alternatives (GAIA) publishes technical report and research briefing on chemical recycling technologies for plastic waste; identifies limitations related to environmental emissions, carbon footprint, scale-up, economic viability; argues chemical recycling does not fit within circular economy
Solutions to plastic pollution?
Epoch Times article: Plastic production, consumption, and pollution on the rise; direct effects on humans unknown; solutions overdue and needed
Plasticizers linked to oxidative stress
New study associates phthalate exposure to oxidative stress during pregnancy, indicative of a variety of health effects
Studies review human exposures and effects of micro- and nanoplastics
Three studies investigate micro- and nanoplastics β source, organ deposition, and reproductive effects; detect up to 240,000 plastic particles/L in bottled water with 90% being nanoplastics; find microplastics in human lung, intestine, and kidney tissues; polyethylene particles found to affect placental function in mice