Latest news with #InstituteofEnvironmentalAssessmentandWaterResearch
Yahoo
16-07-2025
- Science
- Yahoo
Toxic ‘forever chemicals' have infiltrated Antarctic waters: Study
The frigid waters that surround Antarctica may be inhospitable to human inhabitance, but they are churning with the manmade relics of toxic chemical production, a new study has found. Certain types of 'forever chemicals' are present in ocean areas west of the Antarctic Peninsula at levels comparable to those in the North Atlantic, according to the study, published in Communications Earth & Environment. These findings, the study authors stated, underscore the importance of considering persistence when weighing environmental risk, while shedding light 'on the impact of the larger pool of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances,' also known as PFAS. There are about 15,000 types of these so-called 'forever chemicals,' many of which are linked to cancers and other serious illnesses. Known for their ability to linger in the environment, PFAS are found in certain firefighting foams and in a variety of household products, such as waterproof apparel, nonstick pans and cosmetics. Although previous studies have suggested only a limited presence of PFAS in the Southern Ocean, the authors — from Spain's Institute of Environmental Assessment and Water Research and the University of Barcelona — were able to challenge this assumption. The prevailing notion, they explained, reasoned that the 'circumpolar current' that flows clockwise around the Antarctic prevented the transport of PFAS southwards. Yet at the same time, the researchers recognized that oceans have become 'a major reservoir' of a PFAS subgroup called perfluoroalkyl acids (PFAAs) — and that certain precursors of PFAAs had been identified in the Southern Ocean's atmosphere. 'PFAAs are widely distributed in tropical and subtropical oceans and are extremely persistent in the environment,' the authors stated. Among the two most notorious types of PFAAs around the world are PFOA and PFOS — carcinogens that have largely been phased out of production but that remain in soil and water resources due to their longevity. To determine whether these persistent — and often toxic — types of PFAS had in fact infiltrated the Southern Ocean, the scientists conducted on-site water sampling in the area, accompanied by analytical procedures. In doing so, they identified PFAA concentrations in seawater at Antarctic latitudes of 71 degrees south comparable with those of 37 degrees north — in regions with known PFAS sources across Europe, the Mediterranean, Central Asia and the United States. Given the circumpolar current's likely role as 'a barrier for the north-south transport of PFAAs by oceanic currents,' the researchers focused on a possible mechanism called 'wet deposition,' when aerosolized pollutants fall from the atmosphere with rain or snow. The scientists ultimately determined that PFAA compounds are transported via ocean currents from the southern subtropical Atlantic to the sub-Antarctic — the zone immediately north of the Antarctic region. From there, what likely occurs is a phenomenon known as 'sea-spray mediated grasshopping,' in which PFAA-laden sea spray forms in the atmosphere and then deposits in the Southern Ocean, per the study. The Southern Ocean, the authors explained, is known for its high wind speeds, and the region in general endures 'incursions' of wet air masses from the north. Once the compounds have made it into the Antarctic region and have crossed a maritime barrier called 'the Antarctic divergence,' they are generally there to stay, the study found. This polar PFAS pileup, the authors warned, raises concerns about potential risks posed to the Antarctic ecosystem. They therefore stressed a need for further research into the prevalence of such 'persistent contaminants of emerging concern' across the region. 'This unexpected accumulation evidences the global risk posed by persistent chemicals,' the authors added. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
The Hill
15-07-2025
- Science
- The Hill
Toxic ‘forever chemicals' have infiltrated Antarctic waters: Study
The frigid waters that surround Antarctica may be inhospitable to human inhabitance, but they are churning with the manmade relics of toxic chemical production, a new study has found. Certain types of 'forever chemicals' are present in ocean areas west of the Antarctic Peninsula at levels comparable to those in the North Atlantic, according to the study, published in Communications Earth & Environment. These findings, the study authors stated, underscore the importance of considering persistence when weighing environmental risk, while shedding light 'on the impact of the larger pool of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances,' also known as PFAS. There are about 15,000 types of these so-called 'forever chemicals,' many of which are linked to cancers and other serious illnesses. Known for their ability to linger in the environment, PFAS are found in certain firefighting foams and in a variety of household products, such as waterproof apparel, nonstick pans and cosmetics. Although previous studies have suggested only a limited presence of PFAS in the Southern Ocean, the authors — from Spain's Institute of Environmental Assessment and Water Research and the University of Barcelona — were able to challenge this assumption. The prevailing notion, they explained, reasoned that the 'circumpolar current' that flows clockwise around Antarctic prevented the transport of PFAS southwards. Yet at the same time, the researchers recognized that oceans have become 'a major reservoir' of a PFAS subgroup called perfluoroalkyl acids (PFAAs) — and that certain precursors of PFAAs had been identified in the Southern Ocean's atmosphere. 'PFAAs are widely distributed in tropical and subtropical oceans and are extremely persistent in the environment,' the authors stated. Among the two most notorious types of PFAAs around the world are PFOA and PFOS — carcinogens that have largely been phased out of production but that remain in soil and water resources due to their longevity. To determine whether these persistent — and often toxic — types of PFAS had in fact infiltrated the Southern Ocean, the scientists conducted on-site water sampling in the area, accompanied by analytical procedures. In doing so, they identified PFAA concentrations in seawater at Antarctic latitudes of 71 degrees south comparable with those of 37 degrees north — in regions with known PFAS sources across Europe, the Mediterranean, Central Asia and the United States. Given the circumpolar current's likely role as 'a barrier for the north-south transport of PFAAs by oceanic currents,' the researchers focused on a possible mechanism called 'wet deposition,' when aerosolized pollutants fall from the atmosphere with rain or snow. The scientists ultimately determined that PFAA compounds are transported via ocean currents from the southern subtropical Atlantic to the sub-Antarctic — the zone immediately north of the Antarctic region. From there, what likely occurs is a phenomenon known as 'sea-spray mediated grasshopping,' in which PFAA-laden sea spray forms in the atmosphere and then deposits in the Southern Ocean, per the study. The Southern Ocean, the authors explained, is known for its high wind speeds, and the region in general endures 'incursions' of wet air masses from the north. Once the compounds have made it into the Antarctic region and have crossed a maritime barrier called 'the Antarctic divergence,' they are generally there to stay, the study found. This polar PFAS pileup, the authors warned, raises concerns about potential risks posed to the Antarctic ecosystem. They therefore stressed a need for further research into the prevalence of such 'persistent contaminants of emerging concern' across the region. 'This unexpected accumulation evidences the global risk posed by persistent chemicals,' the authors added.
Scottish Sun
23-04-2025
- Health
- Scottish Sun
Baby food and kitchen staples teeming with toxic plastic additives, study warns – even in GLASS jars
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) COMMON foods have been found to be teeming with concerning levels of toxic plastic additives by scientists - including baby foods and meals in glass jars. Baby foods like pureed vegetables and fresh meat were among the foods found to contain high quantities of plasticisers - chemicals added to plastics to make them more flexible and easier to handle. 2 Baby foods like pureed vegetables were among foods found to contain high quantities of plasticisers Credit: Getty The highest levels were found in microwave-in-a-bag vegetables like broccoli and potatoes. After just five minutes of cooking , ATBC (a chemical compound used as a plasticiser) in these foods increased 50-fold, according to the new study from experts at the Institute of Environmental Assessment and Water Research in Barcelona, Spain. Cooking oils were found to contain the least amount of plasticisers, out of the 109 foods studied. Plasticisers have been linked to a variety of health concerns, including reproductive issues and developmental problems. In the study published in the Journal of Hazardous Materials, scientists analysed over 100 foods sold in Spanish supermarkets looking for traces of more than 20 different harmful plastic additives. The foods were categorised into eight groups - baby foods, condiments, fish products, eggs and dairy, meat, oils, fruit and vegetables and cereals, legumes and sweet products. Products were tested for chemicals before and after cooking. Concerning levels of the different plastic additives were detected, including organophosphate esters (OPEs) which were found in 85 per cent of the products. Studies have shown associations between OPE exposure and impacts on respiratory health, endocrine function, and even potential carcinogenic risks. High levels of tyltributyl citrates (ATCBs) and DEHAs were also detected - chemicals commonly used in food packaging such as clingfilm to make it bendy. Cleaning Up The UK: The Fight Against Plastic Wet Wipes The highest amounts of OPEs, ATCBs and DEHAs were found in meat and baby food. Phthalates are a type of plasticiser also used to make plastics more flexible, durable and transparent. Also classed as a 'forever chemicals', while some phthalates can be rapidly excreted, many aren't removed from the body quickly, and may persist for longer periods. Because of this, many food manufacturers have made use of alternative substances to create plastic packaging. But the scientists behind this new study say the alternatives may carry as many risks. Co-author Julio Fernández-Arribas said: "The results presented in this study confirm the presence of various types of plasticisers in foodstuffs, and emphasises the potential source of exposure to new alternative plasticisers whose long-term health effects are under scrutiny." 2 DEHA was mainly found in fresh foods wrapped in plastic Credit: Getty Interestingly, there were significant differences in DEHA and ATBC levels across foods by packaging type. ATBC was predominantly detected in foods packaged in glass containers, likely due to migration from plasticised coatings in lids. While DEHA was mainly found in fresh foods wrapped in plastic. The long-term effects of microplastics on human health are still not fully understood, though emerging research highlights concerns they may accumulate in the body and contribute to various health issues. A recent study discovered tiny plastic particles in the arteries of stroke patients with blocked blood vessels.
The Sun
23-04-2025
- Health
- The Sun
Baby food and kitchen staples teeming with toxic plastic additives, study warns – even in GLASS jars
COMMON foods have been found to be teeming with concerning levels of toxic plastic additives by scientists - including baby foods and meals in glass jars. Baby foods like pureed vegetables and fresh meat were among the foods found to contain high quantities of plasticisers - chemicals added to plastics to make them more flexible and easier to handle. 2 The highest levels were found in microwave-in-a-bag vegetables like broccoli and potatoes. After just five minutes of cooking, ATBC (a chemical compound used as a plasticiser) in these foods increased 50-fold, according to the new study from experts at the Institute of Environmental Assessment and Water Research in Barcelona, Spain. Cooking oils were found to contain the least amount of plasticisers, out of the 109 foods studied. Plasticisers have been linked to a variety of health concerns, including reproductive issues and developmental problems. In the study published in the Journal of Hazardous Materials, scientists analysed over 100 foods sold in Spanish supermarkets looking for traces of more than 20 different harmful plastic additives. The foods were categorised into eight groups - baby foods, condiments, fish products, eggs and dairy, meat, oils, fruit and vegetables and cereals, legumes and sweet products. Products were tested for chemicals before and after cooking. Concerning levels of the different plastic additives were detected, including organophosphate esters (OPEs) which were found in 85 per cent of the products. Studies have shown associations between OPE exposure and impacts on respiratory health, endocrine function, and even potential carcinogenic risks. High levels of tyltributyl citrates (ATCBs) and DEHAs were also detected - chemicals commonly used in food packaging such as clingfilm to make it bendy. Cleaning Up The UK: The Fight Against Plastic Wet Wipes The highest amounts of OPEs, ATCBs and DEHAs were found in meat and baby food. Phthalates are a type of plasticiser also used to make plastics more flexible, durable and transparent. Also classed as a ' forever chemicals ', while some phthalates can be rapidly excreted, many aren't removed from the body quickly, and may persist for longer periods. Because of this, many food manufacturers have made use of alternative substances to create plastic packaging. But the scientists behind this new study say the alternatives may carry as many risks. Co-author Julio Fernández-Arribas said: "The results presented in this study confirm the presence of various types of plasticisers in foodstuffs, and emphasises the potential source of exposure to new alternative plasticisers whose long-term health effects are under scrutiny." 2 Interestingly, there were significant differences in DEHA and ATBC levels across foods by packaging type. ATBC was predominantly detected in foods packaged in glass containers, likely due to migration from plasticised coatings in lids. While DEHA was mainly found in fresh foods wrapped in plastic. The long-term effects of microplastics on human health are still not fully understood, though emerging research highlights concerns they may accumulate in the body and contribute to various health issues. A recent study discovered tiny plastic particles in the arteries of stroke patients with blocked blood vessels. What are microplastics and why are they a worry? Microplastics are tiny plastic particles less than five millimetres in diameter. They come from a variety of sources in our everyday life, from larger pieces of plastic debris, such as from the degradation of bottles, to the tiny beads in personal care products like toothpaste and exfoliants, and synthetic fibres from textiles like polyester and nylon. We can either ingest them, for example in food and water contaminated with them, or inhale them from the air. There is growing concern about the potential health impacts of microplastics on both the environment and human health. When ingested or inhaled, microplastics can cause physical and chemical damage to living organisms. Studies have shown that they may be involved in inflammation in the body by leading to the release of proteins called inflammatory cytokines. While these studies are typically small and in animals or cells, inflammation is linked to a range of chronic diseases, including heart disease, autoimmune disorders, and cancer. Cellular damage has been a key focus of studies on microplastics. The tiny pieces of plastic have been shown to cause cell death, cause damage via oxidative stress, and interfere with hormone function. There is also evidence to suggest that microplastics can cause genotoxic effects, meaning they can damage genetic material within cells - raising fears they can contribute to cancer. The evidence is still evolving for these tiny particles that are barely visible to the naked eye.
Daily Mail
22-04-2025
- Health
- Daily Mail
Shock study reveals store cupboard favourite is laced with alarming amounts of toxic 'plasticisers', possible cancer cause
Scientists have exposed the common foods that are teeming with worrying levels of toxic chemicals that have been linked to Alzheimer's and cancer. Baby foods like pureed vegetables, fresh meat and cereals were found to contain high quantities of plasticisers - chemicals that are added to plastic containers to make them durable and flexible. Extreme levels were also found in microwave-in-a-bag vegetables like broccoli and potatoes. Once heated for just five minutes, chemicals in these foods increased 50 times, according to new research from experts at the Institute of Environmental Assessment and Water Research in Barcelona, Spain. Cooking oils, meanwhile, were found to contain the least amount of plasticisers of the 109 food samples studied. Some of these substances have been found to interfere with the body's hormones like oestrogen and testosterone, while others are linked to increased risk of Alzheimer's and liver disease. In the study, which was published in the Journal of Hazardous Materials, scientists looked for traces of more than 20 different harmful plastic additives in over 100 foods sold in Spanish supermarkets. Foods were categorised into eight groups including baby food, condiments, fish products, eggs and dairy, meat, oils, fruit and vegetables and cereals, legumes and sweet products. The products were then tested for plastic chemicals both before and after cooking, either using a microwave or oven. Scientists detected concerning levels of more than two dozen types, including organophosphate esters (OPEs) which are also used as flame retardants - found in 85 per cent of products sampled. These substances have been linked to a number of health harms, including thyroid cancer, asthma, allergies and problems with foetal development. Also of concern to the scientists were high levels of hormone-disrupting ace tyltributyl citrates (ATCBs) and DEHAs, chemicals used in food packaging to make plastics such as clingfilm bendy and transparent. Meat and baby food were found to contain the largest quantities of OPEs, ATCBs and DEHAs. These substances are a different class to what's become commonly known as 'forever chemicals', such as phthalates, which are thought to remain in the body and environment for several years, leading to long-term health harms. Amid the concern about forever chemicals, food manufacturers have made use of alternative substances to create plastic packaging. However, the scientists behind the new study say these alternatives may carry just as many risks. They added, however, that more work needs to be done to establish the level of exposure that results in human harm. These chemicals are currently authorised for food contact use under both US and EU regulatory frameworks, they added. Meat was followed by cereals, legumes like chickpeas and lentils and sweet products, when analysing prevalence of plasticisers. The researchers found that cooking ready-to-cook broccoli and potato bags, which have longer cooking times of between 5 and 7 minutes respectively, increased levels of microplastics up to 50 times. Co-author Julio Fernández-Arribas said: 'The results presented in this study confirm the presence of various types of plasticisers in foodstuffs, and emphasises the potential source of exposure to new alternative plasticisers whose long-term health effects are under scrutiny'. Microplastics have worried scientists for decades. While the long-term effects of microplastics on human health remain unclear concern is rising because avoiding them is almost impossible. A recent study even found using a single tea bag could release billions of dangerous microplastics into the body. Microplastics have been found in variety of other human tissue including the intestines and even in men's sperm.
