Latest news with #EnvironmentalScience&Technology
The Hill
4 hours ago
- Health
- The Hill
New Harvard app identifies wildfire hotspots with biggest risk of smoke impacts
A new online platform could help communities detect a need for preventative fire management, with the goal of reducing subsequent smoke exposures. The app is able to identify not just where blazes are likely to burn, but also where their public health impacts could be most profound, as detailed in a new study, published on Monday in Environmental Science & Technology. 'We want to know not just where catastrophic fires are likely to occur, but which fires will generate the most smoke, and affect the most people downwind,' senior author Loretta Mickley, a senior research fellow in chemistry-climate interactions at Harvard University, said in a statement. Gaining that knowledge is critical, given the number of people who die prematurely from wildfire smoke inhalation in the U.S. West, Mickley explained. This trend, she added, has persisted despite decades of progress made in curbing air pollution on the coasts. To help address this gap, Mickley and her colleagues developed a Google Earth Engine App call SMRT-Flames, which enables fire managers and policymakers to evaluate potential fire-related smoke exposure risks in a given region and refine prevention strategies accordingly. While the app currently focuses on Northern California, the researchers said that it can be expanded to include other areas. Within that specific region, however, the scientists used their app to determine that in the 2020 fire season, targeted land management in the 15 highest-risk zones — about 3.5 percent of the area — could have decreased smoke exposures by as much as 17.6 percent. They also calculated that following the season, about 36,400 people died from complications connected to inhaling the fine particulate matter (PM 2.5) found in smoke. These particles, the authors explained, disproportionately impact vulnerable individuals, including those with asthma and heart conditions, as well as the elderly. The data available via SMRT-Flames could policymakers plan where management strategies, such as prescribed burns, could be most effective — and thereby reduce smoke-related health impacts over broad areas, according to the study. 'You can consider hypothetical scenarios and plan prescribed fires to reduce smoke exposure over an entire region, not just the immediate area where that prescribed fire is happening,' co-author Tianjia Liu, now an assistant professor at the University of British Columbia, said in a statement. The practice of kindling controlled burns, as opposed to preventing them, has become increasingly essential to staving off larger and more catastrophic fire events from blazing through areas in the future, the researchers noted. 'This idea of wildfires being out of control is due to a combination of factors, including climate,' co-author Makoto Kelp, now a postdoctoral fellow at Stanford University, said in a statement. But Kelp also pointed to a problematic history 'of fire suppression where we've actively prevented fires for the last 100 years, which has led to this huge buildup of fuels.' As also shown in another study on prescribed burns last week, the researchers observed that prescribed burns are not quite as effective in the wildland-urban interface (WUI) — the area where homes meet wild vegetation — than outside, in the more highly forested areas. And yet, the WUI spots also come with a higher risk of smoke exposure, the authors of the current study warned. With that in mind, they explained that the SMRT-Flames app can also integrate additional on-the-ground information and other types of fuel treatment plans. 'Increasing smoke exposure from wildfires in the western US underscores the urgency of optimizing land management to account for longer-term health impacts,' the authors concluded.
The Hill
23-06-2025
- Health
- The Hill
Exposure to wildfire smoke may negatively impact birth outcomes: Study
Exposure to wildfire smoke and heat stress both before and during pregnancy may be associated with adverse outcomes at birth, a new study has found. Such links were particularly pronounced when exposure occurred during the month before conception and during the first trimester of pregnancy, researchers reported in the study, published in Environmental Science & Technology. 'We already know that poor air quality is associated with adverse health outcomes and that pregnant women and fetuses are especially vulnerable,' lead author Roxana Khalili, a postdoctoral researcher at the University of Southern California, said in a statement. But Khalili and her colleagues were interested in understanding more, as the knowledge surrounding the specific of impacts of wildfire smoke during and prior to pregnancy is still limited, she explained. Among the adverse birth outcomes that the researchers observed were small-for-gestational-age babies: infants whose birth weights are below the 10th percentile of their expected weight based on gestational age. Lower birth weights place babies at a greater risk of health problems, from immediate issues like low oxygen levels to long-term difficulties that range from metabolic to cognitive to neurodevelopment impairments, per the study. Meanwhile, the researchers also found that residence in a climate-vulnerable neighborhood could increase the odds of a small-for-gestational-age birth, especially among women exposed to heat stress prior to conception. 'Where you live makes a difference in your health,' Khalili said. 'So does the timing of your exposure during or immediately before pregnancy.' To draw these conclusions, Khalili and her colleagues examined 713 births between 2016 and 2020, acquired from an ongoing database of pregnant women in Los Angeles, called the Maternal and Development Risks from Environment and Social Stressors (MADRES) cohort. They then used data from CalFIRE to identify the location, size and duration of each wildfire in Southern California during that same period. In addition, the researchers accessed the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's hazard mapping system to assess smoke density associated with each fire. By applying sophisticated models to those calculations, they were able to estimate particle pollution exposure endured by MADRES participants. To measure heat stress — important due to pregnancy's impacts on body temperature regulation — Khalili and her colleagues relied on meteorological data that documented daily temperature, relative humidity and wind speed. The researchers also identified Los Angeles neighborhoods that were most vulnerable to climate risks via both state and federal indexes — enabling them to better assess the cumulative factors of heat, smoke and socioeconomic conditions. Going forward, Khalili expressed hope that the findings would help residents and policymakers cope with longer-lasting fire seasons. 'Understanding what's happening to women during wildfires and excessively hot days could help us identify protective measures, develop guidance, and plan interventions,' said Khalili. But she and her colleagues also stressed that future action would need to extend beyond simply measures that individuals can take, such as staying indoors and running air conditions. They therefore emphasized a need for a holistic approach that could increase the adoption capacity of relevant communities and thus strengthen their resilience in a changing climate. 'As the recent Los Angeles fires have demonstrated, infrastructure, socioeconomic, and health vulnerabilities can combine with excessive climate and environmental factors to magnify health risks,' senior author Rima Habre, director of USC's CLIMA Center, said in a statement. 'It is only by looking at the cumulative impacts of burdens communities are facing, now and into the future, that we can start to truly quantify health risks of climate hazards and target interventions to strengthen community resilience,' Habre added.
NBC News
16-06-2025
- Health
- NBC News
Are plastic cutting boards useful kitchen tools or a breeding ground for microplastics? Here's what to know
Everyone has one: a scratched, stained plastic cutting board that's been in your kitchen for years. Despite how many times you say to yourself, 'I should get a new one,' you never do — but now, it's officially time to buy a replacement. Research published in Environmental Science & Technology, a peer-reviewed scientific journal, found that plastic cutting boards release tiny pieces of plastic when you chop on them, which can end up in your food. Before you start panicking, keep reading — I talked to cooking experts and engineers about whether plastic cutting boards are safe to use, and the best alternatives to buy if you want to reduce your exposure to microplastics. Want more from NBC Select? Sign up for our newsletter, The Selection, and shop smarter. Are plastic cutting boards safe to use? Long story short, yes, plastic cutting boards are generally safe to use, according to all the experts I spoke to. However, they can cause microplastics (particles that have a diameter between 1 and 5 mm.) to end up in your food. As a knife's blade scratches a plastic cutting board's surface, tiny pieces of plastic get released that stick to your ingredients — they're too small to see, so you may ingest them, says Dr. Manish Shetty, an assistant professor of chemical engineering at Texas A&M University. Particles that stick to the knife's blade or cutting board go down the drain when you clean them, so there's an environmental impact to consider, too. That said, how worried should you be? 'According to the study's estimation, people could be exposed to about 50 grams of microplastics per year through plastic cutting boards, which seems like a huge amount, but isn't compared to other sources of microplastics you're exposed to,' says Wei. 'The study also didn't find any toxicity effects, which is a good sign, and indicates that this is a safe process.' It's important to note, however, that the study's findings are limited — researchers conducted testing on mice and only tracked health effects for about three days after exposure. Plus, microplastics are difficult to quantify — if another team of researchers did the same study, their findings may vary, says Hoaran Wei, an assistant professor in the department of civil and environmental engineering at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Additional research will allow scientists to make more definitive assessments, but this study is a good starting point. 'It makes us think a lot more about our sources of consumption,' says Shetty. 'When you talk about microplastics impacting the environment, it can feel like an arm's length away, if not more. But when you talk about human health, it feels a lot closer.' The overall takeaway? You're exposed to microplastics while using plastic cutting boards, but, as far as researchers can tell right now, not in an excessive amount that could pose health risks, says Wei. You can use a cutting board made from an alternative material if you want to cut down your microplastic exposure (I break down the best options below), but all materials have benefits and drawbacks you'll need to weigh. How I picked the best plastic cutting board alternatives While shopping for plastic cutting board alternatives, experts recommend thinking about the following factors, all of which I considered while curating my picks. Material: Instead of plastic, choose a cutting board made from wood, rubber, silicone or composite, all of which are food-safe and gentle on knives, experts say. Never use a glass, stone or stainless steel cutting board — these materials are very hard on knives and can damage their blades, says Tracy Zimmermann, an assistant professor of hospitality management who teaches culinary arts at the New York City College of Technology. Care: Rubber, silicone and composite cutting boards are easier to clean compared to wood options, says Zimmermann. They're dishwasher-safe and you can sanitize them with a chemical solution if needed. Wood has antibacterial properties that don't allow bacteria to grow and fester, but you can't put these types of cutting boards in the dishwasher or use chemical sanitizers on them. Instead, you hand-wash them with dish soap and water. Lifespan: Once there's deep scratches and nicks, lingering odors or permanent stains on the surface of a rubber, silicone or composite cutting board, you need to retire it. However, you can sand down the surface of wood cutting boards as they get scratched and nicked, so you don't have to replace them as often. To recommend the best plastic cutting board alternatives, I rounded up options that meet expert guidance. A few also come recommended by chefs or the NBC Select staff. I didn't include any rubber cutting boards below — they're a great alternative for plastic boards, but experts say they're most often used in professional kitchens, not at home. 'Wood is always a great choice due to its antimicrobial properties,' says Zimmermann. 'It also has a better feel and is easier on knife blades compared to plastic.' However, these types of cutting boards require some upkeep — you need to oil or condition them periodically to make sure they stay in good shape. Additionally, wood cutting boards absorb moisture, so they're not great for cutting ingredients like raw meat and fish, says Alycia Johnson, vice president of merchandising at Sur La Table. (Ed's note: The inclusion of products sold by Sur La Table in this article was made independently of Johnson.) When she's cooking at home, Zimmermann says her first choice for a cutting board is this one from Boos, which is double-sided and comes in various shapes, styles and sizes. 'They're the gold standard for wood, and very thick and sturdy,' she says. 'I don't mind taking time to care for it because it's a superior product.' NBC Select updates editor Mili Godio also swears by her Boos board. 'I got it around 6 years ago as a gift for my husband who loves to cook, and I firmly believe it'll last me 60 more years,' she says. 'The quality is unmatched; despite using it to cut hundreds of vegetables and other foods, it still looks incredibly sturdy and durable. Yes, there are knife marks here and there, but overall, it looks great compared to others I've tried.' The brand recommends oiling its cutting board at least once a month and conditioning it for additional protection — you can buy a care set separately. 'Composite wood fiber cutting boards are quite popular right now because they're so durable and good on your knives,' says Johnson. 'They're also really easy to clean since you can throw them in the dishwasher.' Zimmermann specifically recommends Epicurean's composite cutting board, which I also own. 'I've had it for quite a while and it cuts well, is lightweight and more eco-friendly than plastic,' says Zimmermann. The non-porous boards have a smooth feel and are double-sided, plus there's a hole to hang them from. They're heat-resistant up to 350 degrees Fahrenheit, so they double as a trivet, and come in four sizes. Similar to wood, silicone has some give, making it easy on knife blades, and similar to plastic, it's dishwasher-safe and inexpensive, says Zimmermann. However, silicone isn't the sturdiest material, so when you pick the board up, it tends to bend. That might be appealing to you — you can fold silicone cutting boards horizontally or vertically to create a funnel of sorts, making it convenient to dump food into pans or scraps into the trash. This set comes with three thick silicone cutting boards in small, medium and large sizes. The boards are stain- and stick-resistant, according to the brand, and double-sided: the top has a smooth surface with juice grooves, while the bottom is textured to help it grip to your countertop. Each board also has a hole to hang it from. They're heat-resistant up to 482 degrees Fahrenheit, so they double as trivets. I own numerous cutting boards, but this is by far the one I use most in my small kitchen. It's the ideal size for my limited countertop space, and it's quite durable — I've sliced fruits, vegetables, cheese and breads on it almost daily for over a year, and it's still in great condition. The cutting board is finished with food-safe mineral oil and wax, and it has a small indent in one corner to collect juices or put a small bowl of dip or sauce if you're serving on it. You can buy Caraway's small cutting board individually or purchase it as part of the brand's three-piece set, which also comes with a storage organizer. Caraway recommends occasionally applying mineral oil to extend the board's lifespan. NBC Select editor Lindsay Schneider uses Our Place's board (which the brand sent her as a courtesy sample) to prep and serve foods. 'As a cutting board, it's fantastic because it's really sturdy and heavy, and it has a little trench on the side so liquids don't spill over,' she says. 'I use it as a display board, too. In my small apartment, things have to work double duty, so if I have people over, I use this to put cheese and other snacks on.' The brand recommends occasionally treating the board with food-grade mineral oil to prevent cracking and enhance the surface's patina over time. Schneider was a fan of Material Kitchen's reBoard for years, but ultimately stopped using it since it's made with plastic. You can now buy a similar plastic-free cutting board from the brand — the new MK Free Board is made from plant-based materials. Its surface is non-pornous and it has a juice groove around its perimeter. There's also a hole in one corner to hang the board from. Best hybrid Steelport's cutting board is one of the more luxe looking options on the market as far as I'm concerned. Plus, it has internal steel beams to prevent it from warping, according to the brand. Each of the board's sides is made from a different material: one side is wood and the other is composite, giving you the benefits of both. The composite side has a groove around its perimeter to catch juices, and the board's angled sides make it easy to grab, flip and move as needed. NBC Select reporter Harry Rabinowitz uses Steelport's board to cook for his family (the brand sent him a courtesy sample). He appreciates that it's heavy enough to stay in place on his countertop while chopping, but lightweight enough to easily move around the kitchen and lift onto high shelves . Frequently asked questions When should you replace a cutting board? Pay attention to the condition of your cutting board's surface — it tells you exactly when you need to replace it, says Patrick Guzzle, the vice president of food science for the National Restaurant Association, the organization that writes and publishes ServSafe products. 'Regardless of the material, if you've been using a cutting board for a while and it's starting to get nicks and cuts in it, consider replacing it,' he says. 'Those nicks and cuts are a good opportunity for bacteria to get in there and grow, which causes some cross-contamination concerns, especially since you can't clean and sanitize the cutting board the way you should.' You should also replace your cutting board if it develops an odor you can't get rid of, or has stains you can't remove. Should you use multiple cutting boards while cooking? Keeping multiple cutting boards in your kitchen is ideal, says Johnson. Doing so allows you to designate a board per each task, like one for chopping fruits and vegetables, and another for slicing raw meat and fish. If you only have one cutting board, it's important to clean it between cutting different types of ingredients, and pay attention to the order you prepare foods in. 'If you're making vegetables and meat, for example, I recommend cutting all the vegetables first and then focusing on the meats,' says Guzzle. 'Meat can present a higher bacterial risk when it comes to cutting boards, so you want to take care of that last.' Where do microplastics come from? 'Any time we use plastics, there's a potential for microplastics,' says Shetty. They're released by products we use every day, like plastic cutting boards and containers, cling wrap and detergent pods, as well as other sources. Wastewater treatment plants, for example, transports microplastic particles to freshwater supplies and sea water bodies, says Wei. Some microplastics also come from stormwater runoff. 'When it rains, for example, plastic particles on the road from tire particles will be washed into natural water bodies,' he says. Microplastics are made in water bodies, too. 'We have a lot of floating plastic garbage in the sea and freshwater, and they can degrade, breaking apart into tiny little particles,' says Wei. Why are microplastics dangerous? Microplastics only accumulate — they never disappear, says Wei. 'They can last for hundreds of years in the environment, break down, become carbon dioxide and be released back into the atmosphere, which is a very slow process, making microplastics persistent contaminants,' he says. The concentration of microplastics in the environment is constantly increasing, so people are being exposed to them more and more. And recently, studies are showing that there's microplastics present in the human body, which is likely because the particles are in our food and drinking water, says Wei. Scientists and doctors are currently researching the toxicity of microplastics on the human body, especially how it impacts reproductivity, inflammatory response, liver health and kidney health. Meet our experts At NBC Select, we work with experts who have specialized knowledge and authority based on relevant training and/or experience. We also take steps to ensure that all expert advice and recommendations are made independently and with no undisclosed financial conflicts of interest. Dr. Manish Shetty is an assistant professor of chemical engineering at Texas A&M University. Hoaran Wei is an assistant professor in the department of civil and environmental engineering at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Tracy Zimmermann is an assistant professor of hospitality management who teaches culinary arts at the New York City College of Technology. Alycia Johnson is the vice president of merchandising at Sur La Table. (Ed's note: The inclusion of products sold by Sur La Table in this article was made independently of Johnson.) Patrick Guzzle is the vice president of food science for the National Restaurant Association, the organization that writes and publishes ServSafe products. Why trust NBC Select? I'm a reporter at NBC Select who has written about kitchen products for five years, including meal prep containers, cookware sets, dinnerware sets, Dutch ovens and air fryers. To write this article, I spoke to five experts about plastic cutting board alternatives and microplastics. Using their guidance, I rounded up the best plastic cutting board alternatives, including expert and NBC Select staff picks.
Yahoo
13-06-2025
- Science
- Yahoo
Researchers make concerning discovery after investigating bays: 'They're a threat to everything'
Microplastics are slipping out of Texas bays and into the Gulf of Mexico, where they can do even more damage to the environment — and possibly to us. Researchers at the University of Texas at Austin recently found that microplastics in Texas bays, particularly Matagorda Bay, are not accumulating in sediments as expected. Instead, they are being transported into the Gulf of Mexico. The study, published in Environmental Science & Technology, analyzed 122 sediment samples from Matagorda Bay, East Matagorda Bay, and San Antonio Bay. Findings showed relatively low concentrations of microplastics in the samples — only tens to hundreds of particles per kilogram of sediment, which is hundreds to thousands of times less than similar bayside environments around the world. This data was entirely unexpected, according to the researchers — especially with a plastic pellet factory directly on Matagorda Bay. The researchers attribute the findings to shallow depths in the respective bays, along with windy conditions and frequent hurricanes, which prevent microplastics from settling. And if these microplastics don't settle, they get swept into the Gulf — which sends these tiny particles of plastic on an even more destructive journey. As the researchers outlined in the study, once in the Gulf of Mexico, these microplastics absorb environmental chemicals and accumulate in marine life. This can pose risks to the broader ecosystem and human health, as these microplastics enter the food and water supply. "It's good that the bay is not a microplastic dump or hotspot," study co-author Cornel Olariu, a research associate professor in the Jackson School's Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences, said in a statement. "But the bad thing is they move around much easier than we thought … and they're a threat to everything up to us." According to the Stanford Report, about 10 to 40 million metric tons of microplastics are released into the environment each year. Microplastics never disappear from the environment, contaminating waterways, soil, air — everything. While scientists are still learning exactly how microplastics impact animals, people, and the planet, it's clear that these pervasive plastic particles cause long-term damage. A 2020 study found that humans inhale approximately 16.2 bits of microplastics every hour. That's the equivalent of a credit card per week. Harvard Medicine highlights that microplastic exposure is linked to a wide range of human health impacts, including reproductive issues, cancers, inflammation, lung and liver problems, hormone disruptions, and changes to the gut microbiome. Understanding how and where microplastics travel is key to effectively tackling their environmental impact. This particular study marks the first time researchers have examined the prevalence of microplastics in Texas bay sediments, providing crucial baseline data for further research. Do you worry about air pollution in and around your home? Yes — always Yes — often Yes — sometimes No — never Click your choice to see results and speak your mind. As a next step in the research, the authors are developing models to trace the pathways of Texas bay microplastics, hoping to see where they collect if not in the bays. In the meantime, there are global efforts to reduce plastic usage to help combat microplastic prevalence. But with the prevalence of plastic in our lives and our environment, completely avoiding microplastics is not only unlikely — it's impossible. Still, there are simple ways to reduce your exposure. Opt for clothing made from natural fibers, skip plastic food packaging when you can, and bring reusable bags instead of relying on single-use plastics. Since microplastics are also in the air we breathe, regular vacuuming and using a HEPA air purifier can help limit indoor exposure. Join our free newsletter for good news and useful tips, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet.
Yahoo
27-05-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Forever chemicals found in American beer — the worst is brewed in this part of the country
Crack open a cold one this Memorial Day and you might be in for a hoppy hazard. A recent study published in the journal Environmental Science & Technology has found that 95% of 23 tested beers across the US contain per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) — commonly known as 'forever chemicals' due to their lingering presence in the environment and human body. And depending on where in the country it's brewed, the amount of forever chemicals can be worse. These synthetic compounds, which have been linked to cancer and other health issues, are believed to enter beer primarily through contaminated tap water used in brewing. The study found a strong correlation between PFAS concentrations in municipal drinking water and levels in locally brewed beer — a phenomenon that has not previously been researched. While the study did not disclose specific beer brands, it identified that beers brewed near the Cape Fear River Basin in North Carolina exhibited the highest levels and most diverse mix of PFAS. Beers from St. Louis County, Missouri, also showed significant PFAS presence. The findings suggest that standard water filtration systems used in breweries may not effectively remove forever chemicals, highlighting the need for improved water treatment strategies at both brewing facilities and municipal treatment plants. As beer is composed of about 90% water — and nearly two gallons of water can be used to produce just one quart of beer — the quality of water used in brewing is crucial. With PFAS contamination affecting an estimated 200 million people in the US, the presence of these chemicals in beer underscores the broader issue of environmental pollutants infiltrating everyday products. 'As an occasional beer drinker myself, I wondered whether PFAS in water supplies was making its way into our pints,' lead author Jennifer Hoponick Redmon said in a press release. 'I hope these findings inspire water treatment strategies and policies that help reduce the likelihood of PFAS in future pours.' Last year, the Environmental Protection Agency reported that after testing just one-third of public water supplies in the US, it determined that more than 70 million residents are being exposed to 'forever chemicals.' The most contaminated were found in densely populated regions like New York, New Jersey, and parts of California and Texas. However, their interactive map shows that Manhattan has zero reports of forever chemicals in the water. 'The full scale of PFAS contamination is likely much more widespread,' a spokesperson said at the time, noting that the EPA's report only offered a snapshot of the problem. In fact, in November researchers at Florida International University in Miami even found forever chemicals in rainwater. They've also been found in everything from contact lenses to dental floss to toilet paper and even shampoo. When it comes to reducing the exposure through water, there is something consumers can do about it. While boiling the water doesn't remove PFAS, some water filters can. A report from FoodPrint outlines how filters with activated carbon adsorption, ion exchange resins and high-pressure membranes can help. 'To remove a specific contaminant like PFAS from drinking water, consumers should choose a water filtration device that is independently certified to remove that contaminant by a recognized lab,' said Jim Nanni of Consumer Reports.
