Latest news with #JournalofHazardousMaterials
SBS Australia
14-07-2025
- Health
- SBS Australia
Not so sweet: explaining the impact of sugar substitutes on the environment
Listen to Australian and world news, and follow trending topics with SBS News Podcasts . In 2025, if you're dodging sugar to spare your health -you likely aren't going without the sweet stuff altogether. There are readily-available sugar-free soft drinks and even lollies - in fact, more than ever before. Food manufacturing giants have pivoted to artificially sweetened goods - but is zero sugar, zero harm? Not according to a new study in the Journal of Hazardous Materials - and the name of the publication gives a clue about the results. Dr Xuan Li from the University of Technology, Sydney, says it is the environment that is paying the price for a rise in artificial sweeteners. "So whatever we are eating will eventually discharge into wastewater and become concentrated in wastewater treatment plants. And our treatment plants are not easily able to degrade them as well. So they will be directly discharged into the environment. And this will gradually lead to the accumulation in the environment and eventually effect all the water creatures." The U-T-S study has found some of these fake or alternative sugar substances are building up in waterways around the world. They are designed to not be fully absorbed by the body – and for the same reason, they don't break down as easily in waterways or on the land. They become 'forever chemicals' that build in concentration and potential toxicity. And that is a bigger problem. Why? Because in an ecosystem, all organisms are connected. "Some fish may die early because of this. So in a fish it is like the bottom line is anything changing the fish will eventually impact the upper food chain and impact the other creatures. Like we have found algae can be impacted and they all of a sudden bloom and all of a sudden die, because of the build-up of artificial sweeteners." Not all sweeteners are created equal, and one scores worst in terms of its lack of ability to decompose - Sucrose - which is marketed as Splenda in supermarkets around the world. The sweeteners, saccharin and cyclamate particles were comparatively easy to remove from water. This isn't the first time sweeteners have come under fire for their environmental impact - major studies out of the E-U in recent years. Dr Li says its impossible to know how long it will take for the build-up of these microtoxins to have a detrimental impact on humans - and to know how severe that impact could be. 'We are talking a lot about P-FAS a lot in recent years, but actually artificial sweeteners have a similar accumulation pathway like PFAS in our environment. We just have not got enough attention on it. This is also partially because we have currently very mixed results, regarding the impact of artificial sweeteners.' There have been conflicting findings in numerous global studies about the impact of sugar substitutes we eat and drink. In March 2023, Food Standards Australia New Zealand reviewed the intense sweeteners permitted for use in the Food Standards Code. "A range of different sources of evidence were included such as sweetener use information and dietary exposure assessments. Steviol glycosides were reviewed in detail which included an analytical survey and risk assessment. No public health and safety issues were identified as a result of the review." But Dr Li says more research needs to happen - now - for the planet, ecosystem and our health. Meanwhile, we each have a choice. "As consumers ourselves, we can think twice when we are trying to purchase a product. I know artificial sweeteners can sound very tempting if you're trying to control your blood sugar level, your body weight. But the question is, do we really understand them well enough? If not, maybe the conventional sugary stuff will be a better solution."
Yahoo
13-07-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Researchers make disturbing discovery about health risks lurking in common products: 'Highlights the critical need for further exploration'
A new study may help to unpack possible effects of microplastic pollution, including from biodegradable alternatives, on metabolism and gut bacteria. The findings suggest some concerning signs that demand further exploration into long-term health risks that could be linked to microplastic exposure and ingestion, such as the potential for gut inflammation and microbiome disruption. Polylactic acid, or PLA, is a bioplastic commonly marketed as biodegradable or compostable, and it's often used in food packaging. Made from fermented plant starch rather than fossil fuels, when broken down under the right conditions, it can degrade into lactic acid, generally understood as safe. However, PLA can also break down incompletely, resulting in some divided opinions on the material and its potential health and environmental advantages over traditional plastics. Researchers from China say their new findings indicate that PLA microplastics can break down into nanoparticles inside the body and potentially trigger a range of harmful biological responses. In their study, published in June online by the Journal of Hazardous Materials, mice were orally exposed to a daily dose of PLA microplastics. Researchers noted that "the particles retrieved from mouse feces exhibited a significant size reduction, breaking down from the micrometer scale to the nanometer scale." Short-term oral exposure appeared to impact gut microbiota and induce inflammation, while longer-term exposure seemed to cause persistent changes, including to the metabolism. The co-authors of this new study say the research "highlights the critical need for further exploration into the long-term health risks of microplastic exposure," even when it comes to materials manufactured to be biodegradable or compostable. While microplastic pollution has been studied in marine animals and environments, as well as the occasional tortoise or donkey, this study focuses on the potential for serious risks to human health and looks at PLA microplastics in particular. In 2019, a research team, with support from the World Wide Fund, estimated that people may consume up to 5 grams of microplastics per week — roughly the weight of a credit card. Some studies have also investigated possible links between microplastic exposure and chronic illnesses, such as endometriosis, though these studies have largely looked at traditional plastics. When PLA microplastics are used, it tends to be because of their eco-friendly image as a biodegradable alternative to traditional plastic types. Leveraging safe, sustainable alternatives to fossil fuel-based products is critical, but this study shows that bioplastics may still pose health threats inside the body, meriting further investigation. The researchers suggest that nanoparticles resulting from PLA breakdown could disrupt gut bacteria and contribute to inflammation, which has been linked to a range of illnesses from liver disease to neurodegenerative disorders. While more research is needed to provide a complete and thorough understanding of the potential impacts of microplastics — including from bioplastics — on our well-being, this study points toward the possibility that reducing their use could come with some health benefits. As more experts are suggesting, while we don't yet have a full picture of microplastic hazards, we may have enough information to warrant making some changes now. 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. Steps like cutting back on single-use plastic cutlery and straws at restaurants, opting for non-plastic reusable containers and shopping bags, and minimizing plastic-packaged food may help reduce personal exposure and the amount of plastic waste in the world. On a broader level, stronger regulations, corporate accountability, and funding for more research are all critical to curbing plastic pollution and protecting public health. Encouragingly, studies like this are pushing the conversation forward, showing that biodegradable may not always mean completely harmless. 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
16-05-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Scientists make disturbing discovery after testing everyday material on key soil creatures: 'It holds scientific significance'
Scientists have found that microplastics in soil weaken the immune systems of earthworms, which could affect their ability to destroy harmful pathogens and negatively impact soil microbes. South Korean scientists discovered that microplastic pollution could lower the immune health of soil-dwelling organisms. The research, published in July's edition of the Journal of Hazardous Materials, is the first to find a link between microplastics and a weakened immune response in earthworms, as detailed by The Korea Bizwire. A research team led by Professors Ahn Yoon-joo of Konkuk University and Hyun Young-min of Yonsei University confirmed that Eisenia andrei earthworms exposed to microplastics from polystyrene, commonly used in insulation, packaging, and construction, had reduced phagocytic activity. This is an important function of immune cells, helping to protect the body from infections. When the team exposed the earthworms to polystyrene particles in laboratory tests, their immune cells reportedly absorbed the microplastics in just 30 minutes. While their immune cells didn't die, their ability to fight off foreign substances, such as E. coli, declined. In a follow-up experiment, the team found that even when earthworms were exposed to small amounts of microplastics, their immune cell function dropped by 40% in two weeks. "This study is the first to report that the phagocytic activity of earthworm immune cells, which actively eliminate pathogens in soil contaminated with microplastics, is compromised," adding that "it holds scientific significance," Professor Ahn Yoon-joo told ChosunBiz. The negative impacts of microplastic contamination in the environment have been well-documented, as researchers have found the particles in our oceans, soil, wastewater, and even fertilizers used to grow crops. When humans or animals ingest these particles, they can have wide-ranging health impacts, including an increased risk of hormone and reproductive disorders, as well as heart disease. Earthworms are a vital part of soil ecosystems, as they help improve soil structure, break down organic matter — which releases nutrients into the soil — and reduce pathogen activity. They can also boost farm productivity, as the Government of New South Wales explained. If earthworms' immune systems are impaired by microplastics, it will impact their ability to keep the soil healthy and could potentially reduce crop yields. Researchers have found that biochar — a common soil amendment used on farms — could remove a large amount of microplastics from soil, keeping them out of our food supplies and waterways. This would also benefit earthworms and the farmers who depend on them for healthy soil. Scientists have also discovered that insects such as mealworms and waxworms could eat through our plastic problem, as they seem to have a large appetite for the material. Do you think we use too much plastic in America? Definitely Only some people Not really I'm not sure Click your choice to see results and speak your mind. The best way we can help earthworms and the planet is by reducing the amount of plastic we use. Even a few small changes, such as switching from single-use water bottles to reusable ones and bringing your own to-go containers to restaurants, can contribute to a healthier, plastic-free future. 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
09-05-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Common appliance raises kids' cancer risk nearly twice as much as adults' — and it's in 2 out of 5 US homes
Let's clear the air. Benzene, a harmful chemical found in gasoline, cigarette smoke and paint strippers, is a known carcinogen. Long-term exposure to high levels of benzene has been linked to leukemia and other blood-related cancers. Now, a new study out of Stanford University reports that benzene-caused cancer risks are significantly higher — especially for children — in homes with medium to high usage of gas stoves and inadequate ventilation. 'Natural gas and propane stoves emit benzene, a known carcinogen through combustion,' the researchers explained in the forthcoming July issue of the Journal of Hazardous Materials. 'To our knowledge, ours is the first study to assess the carcinogenic health risks from benzene formed during gas combustion from stoves, as well as leukemia cases attributable to gas stove use.' For the study, researchers simulated different cooking scenarios involving varying burner intensities and oven temperatures with minimal or no ventilation. When there's no ventilation, benzene exposure in kitchens and living rooms is highest in smaller apartments, followed by manufactured homes, attached homes and detached homes, the researchers found. 'Particularly concerning were the elevated risks in bedrooms, where people typically spend the most time,' they wrote. Their analysis also suggested that children's cancer risk from gas stove exposure is 1.85 times higher than adults. The researchers noted that children generally breathe faster and take in more air — and therefore more pollutants — relative to their smaller body size. 'Since there is no safe limit for benzene's carcinogenic effects, it is crucial to further evaluate the health risks associated with these effects,' the study read. Ventilation plays a key role in reducing benzene concentrations — the researchers recommend opening windows and using good-quality outdoor vent hoods. Homeowners could also switch to electric stoves. 'The study underscores the importance of addressing combustion-related indoor air pollutants to protect public health, particularly in households with limited ventilation,' the study authors wrote. Gas stoves have come under fire in recent years as studies suggested they emit pollutants like nitrogen dioxide, carbon monoxide, benzene and formaldehyde, which can trigger asthma and potentially increase the risk of heart disease and other health problems. The stoves have fueled heated debate about health and environmental concerns and government overreach with limitations or bans. President Donald Trump signed an executive order in January that 'safeguards the American people's freedom to choose from a variety of goods and appliances,' including gas stoves. The order followed a watered-down rule from the Biden administration requiring some gas and electric stoves to be more efficient. Other restrictions have had more teeth. In 2023, New York became the first state to ban the installation of new gas stoves in most new homes and buildings. It's set to take effect in 2026 for buildings under seven stories and in 2029 for larger structures. NYC also has a ban on natural gas in new buildings — the ordinance was upheld in federal court in March. Meanwhile, research on the potential effects of gas stoves continues. About 38% of American households, or roughly 40 million homes, have these appliances. Stanford scientists say that 6.3 million Americans are exposed to the top 5 % highest benzene-emitting gas stoves. They measured emissions in 87 homes across 14 counties in Colorado and California for a 2023 study.
San Francisco Chronicle
09-05-2025
- Health
- San Francisco Chronicle
Gas stoves nearly double children's cancer risk, Stanford study shows
A new study from Stanford University found that children living in homes with frequent gas stove use and poor ventilation face nearly twice the lifetime cancer risk from benzene exposure compared to adults. The study, published in the Journal of Hazardous Materials, is the first to evaluate cancer risks from benzene generated during gas stove combustion and to estimate leukemia cases attributable to these emissions. Researchers measured benzene levels in 87 homes across Colorado and California, simulating a range of cooking scenarios. They then modeled how the chemical spreads through different types of housing. Benzene, a known carcinogen also found in gasoline and cigarette smoke, is released during the use of natural gas or propane stoves. The findings showed that children's lifetime cancer risk from this exposure is 1.85 times higher than that of adults. 'Children generally breathe faster and take in more air — and therefore more pollutants — relative to their smaller body size,' the researchers noted. Risk levels were highest in smaller residences, such as apartments and manufactured homes, where benzene concentrations were found to travel from kitchens into living spaces and bedrooms, areas where people spend the most time. In worst-case scenarios involving poorly ventilated homes and the highest-emitting stoves, children's lifetime cancer risk ranged from 1.92 to 12.03 cases per million. Adults in similar conditions faced risks between 0.94 and 5.89 per million, both well above the World Health Organization's benchmark of one in a million. The act of igniting a gas stove releases other harmful chemicals, including nitrogen dioxide, a respiratory irritant that has been linked to higher rates of childhood asthma. While using high-efficiency vent hoods or opening windows can reduce exposure, the study found that ventilation alone does not fully eliminate the risk. 'This study underscores the importance of effective ventilation and highlights the need for policies and strategies to mitigate benzene exposure from gas stoves, particularly for vulnerable populations such as children,' the authors said. Roughly 40% of U.S. households — and more than 70% of California households — use a natural gas cooking appliance, according to a 2023 estimate from the U.S. Energy Information Administration. Growing concern over health and environmental impacts has prompted action in several states. In California, lawmakers passed AB2513 last year, which would have required warning labels on gas stoves sold in stores starting in 2026. Gov. Gavin Newsom, however, vetoed the bill. The measure was intended to expand upon Proposition 65, California's landmark toxic chemical disclosure law passed in the 1980s, which mandates warnings on products that may cause cancer, birth defects or reproductive harm. Previous research has linked gas stove usage to increased risks of childhood asthma, and one 2023 Stanford study found that gas stoves can emit benzene at levels higher than secondhand cigarette smoke. California has taken further steps to curb pollution from gas appliances, including a plan to ban the sale of gas heaters by 2030. Local efforts, such as Berkeley's ordinance banning natural gas hookups in new buildings, have faced legal challenges. A federal court ruled the Berkeley law conflicted with national regulations, prompting the city to repeal the ordinance.
