Latest news with #contamination
Yahoo
10 hours ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Mexico threatens lawsuit against SpaceX over Starship explosion 'contamination'
When you buy through links on our articles, Future and its syndication partners may earn a commission. Mexican president Claudia Sheinbaum has threatened to file a lawsuit against SpaceX over what the leader described as "contamination" following an explosion at SpaceX's Starbase facility earlier this month. On June 18, SpaceX was testing the upper stage of its Starship vehicle on a test stand at its Starbase site near Boca Chica Beach in Texas when Starship exploded in a dramatic fireball. SpaceX wrote on social media that there were no hazards to the surrounding communities following the explosion. But Sheinbaum contests that claim. In a press conference held on Wednesday (June 25), the Mexican president said there is a "general review underway of the international laws that are being violated" due to the fact that "there is contamination" stemming from Starship's explosion, according to Yucatan Magazine. The Guardian reports that Sheinbaum added that her government is looking to file "the necessary lawsuits" over the alleged contamination. SpaceX's Starbase testing and manufacturing facility is located near Boca Chica Beach. The area is at the very southeastern tip of Texas along the Rio Grande river, which divides the United States and Mexico. The Mexican city of Heroica Matamoros sits just across the border from Boca Chica and nearby Brownsville, Texas. This isn't the first time SpaceX has been threatened with environmental lawsuits, not to mention other legal cases. A coalition of environmental groups sued the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) in 2023, claiming the agency did not conduct proper analyses of the damage Starship could cause to the surrounding areas, which are home to protected species of birds. In 2024, the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) reported that SpaceX had violated the Clean Water Act after releasing pollutants into nearby body of waters, according to CNBC. SpaceX refuted the claims, calling the reporting "factually inaccurate." Starship launches — and explosions — have left significant amounts of debris throughout Boca Chica Beach and surrounding areas in the past. When Starship launched on its debut flight on April 20, 2023, the rocket's 33 first-stage Raptor engines sent chunks of cement and other debris flying for miles. Local residents described the launch as "terrifying" and compared it to an earthquake. Pieces of debris rained down in every direction, even crushing a nearby car. That flight ended in an equally dramatic fashion when SpaceX triggered its onboard flight termination system, causing the vehicle to explode some three minutes after liftoff. Fragments of the Starship vehicle were found along shores surrounding the area in the days following the flight. Starship's upper stage has exploded and/or crashed into the sea on eight of its nine of its test flights to date (on two launches, the company managed to return the vehicle's Super Heavy booster to Starbase, where it was caught by the 'chopstick' arms on its launch tower). On its fifth flight in November 2023, Starship managed to make a pinpoint splashdown in the Indian Ocean.
The Sun
a day ago
- Health
- The Sun
Deadly brain-eating parasite is found in ‘contaminated' salad bags sold in UK supermarkets – 7 symptoms to watch out for
HEALTH warnings have been issued over salad bags due to potentially deadly contamination fears. The popular ready-to-eat product sold across UK supermarkets has been associated with a rise in food poisoning cases. 1 Research carried out by the journal Eurosurveillance highlighted the contamination fears reported across 10 European countries, including the UK. This came after over 4% of the leaves in salad samples, tested between October 2021 and September 2022, were found to be contaminated with toxoplasma gondii oocysts. "The parasite Toxoplasma gondii can cause severe disease in humans," the research said. "People can acquire the parasite by eating raw or undercooked infected meat or unwashed fruits or vegetables contaminated with the parasite. "We wanted to investigate T. gondii in commercial ready-to eat (RTE) salads in European countries to estimate the importance of these food products as sources of T. gondii." The bacteria, which can be passed on through contact with cat faeces, has been known to contaminate food and water. This makes salad that is washed or watered with dirty water a prime place for bacteria to grow. According to research cited by Science Alert, this bacteria "can seriously disrupt the brain function of intermediate hosts, potentially including humans". The National Institute of Health previously reported that half of the UK population show signs of past infection by the age of 50. They added that once acquired, these parasites remain in human tissues for life. 'Contaminated' children's cough syrup recalled nationwide over ingredient inside that could kill – parents must act now Health risks This can cause a problem later in life for people who have a weakened immune system, often a result cancer treatments or immunosuppressant drugs. The Food Standards Agency recommended the best action to take to combat this outbreak. "[Always] wash fruit and vegetables with water before you eat them to make sure that they are clean," the experts advised. "You should wash them under a running tap, or in a bowl of fresh water, making sure to rub their skin under the water." While toxoplasmosis is not usually serious and normally gets better on its own, the NHS highlighted that it can cause serious problems in certain situations. This includes if you get it while you're pregnant or have a weakened immune system . If you have a weakened immune system toxoplasmosis may cause problems with your eyes, brain, heart, or lungs. And if you experience more severe symptoms such as confusion, blurred vision, or slurred speech, you should also seek medical help. Positive samples across Europe Samples of the leaves were collected in the Czech Republic, Denmark, France, Germany, Italy, Norway, Poland, Portugal, and Spain as well as the UK. Majority of the positive samples were collected in winter and packaged in the UK, France, Portugal, Spain, and Denmark. Scientists have urged for better control measures to help protect prevent infection. "This is particularly relevant since ready-to-eat salads are intended to be consumed raw without any further treatment by the consumer," they pointed out. "Future work should investigate presence of [the parasite] in different steps of the ready-to-eat production to minimise infection risk for humans." Rise in food poisoning cases The warning follows alerts relating to a significant rise in serious food poisoning cases. The latest annual data from the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) showed that Campylobacter infections increased by 17% between 2023 and 2014 - from 60,055 to 70,352. According to UKHSA, this represents the highest number of cases recorded in the past decade. Meanwhile, Salmonella infections also reached a decade high, according to data. They rose by with a 17% as well, from 8,872 cases in 2023 to 10,388 cases in 2024.
Sustainability Times
a day ago
- Health
- Sustainability Times
'Glass Is the Real Threat': New Study Finds Glass Bottles Leak 50x More Microplastics Than Plastic, Alarming Scientists Globally
IN A NUTSHELL 🍾 Glass bottles have been found to shed 5 to 50 times more microplastics than plastic bottles, especially in beverages like beer, soda, and lemonade. have been found to shed 5 to 50 times more microplastics than plastic bottles, especially in beverages like beer, soda, and lemonade. 🎨 The microplastics primarily originate from the paint on glass bottle caps , which deteriorates and contaminates the drinks during storage. , which deteriorates and contaminates the drinks during storage. 📊 Beer shows the highest contamination levels, with wine exhibiting surprisingly low microplastic counts, indicating a complex contamination process. 🧼 Simple cleaning methods, such as rinsing caps with water and alcohol, can reduce microplastic contamination by up to 60%. Recent research has revealed an unexpected source of microplastic contamination: glass bottles. While traditionally seen as a cleaner alternative to plastic, glass containers have been found to shed significantly more microplastics into beverages such as beer, soda, and lemonade. This discovery challenges conventional wisdom and raises questions about the safety of our everyday drinkware. As we delve into the findings, it becomes imperative to consider how these microplastics find their way into our drinks and what can be done to mitigate this emerging concern. Microplastics Traced to Paint on Glass Bottle Caps For years, the focus of microplastic contamination has primarily been on plastic packaging. However, recent studies have shed light on an unexpected culprit: the paint on glass bottle caps. Researchers at France's food safety agency, ANSES, discovered that the microplastics found in glass bottles were not from the glass itself but from the paint used on the caps. These microplastics match the shape, color, and composition of the cap paint, suggesting that friction during storage causes microscopic scratches, releasing particles into the beverages. This revelation underscores a previously overlooked source of contamination and highlights the complex nature of microplastic pollution. The paint, used for branding and sealing purposes, can deteriorate under certain conditions, leading to the release of microplastics. This finding challenges assumptions about the safety of glass containers and emphasizes the need for further investigation into packaging materials and their potential health impacts. Wildfire Smoke Disaster: This Groundbreaking Study Links U.S. Blazes to 15,000 Deaths and an Economic Hit of $160 Billion Beer and Soft Drinks Show Highest Contamination Among the beverages tested, beer emerged as the most contaminated, averaging 60 microplastic particles per liter. Lemonade followed closely with 40 particles, while other soft drinks had about 30 particles per liter. Surprisingly, water, whether flat or sparkling, contained significantly fewer microplastics when packaged in glass bottles, demonstrating just 4.5 particles per liter compared to 1.6 in plastic. Wine, often stored in glass bottles with painted caps, showed minimal microplastic contamination, presenting a curious anomaly in the data. The reason behind this discrepancy remains unclear, but it suggests that other factors, such as the beverage's composition or bottle handling, might influence microplastic levels. This variability highlights the complexity of microplastic contamination and the need for targeted solutions to address it. Silent Killer in Your Home: This Common Plastic Chemical Linked to Staggering 356,000 Heart Disease Deaths in 2018, Study Reveals Health Risks Still Uncertain, But Concern Is Growing Despite growing awareness, the health implications of microplastics in beverages remain uncertain. To date, scientists have not established a safe consumption level, and regulatory bodies like ANSES have yet to determine a reference point for potential health risks. Nonetheless, the presence of microplastics in air, food, and even human tissue is becoming increasingly alarming. Research from the University of New Mexico found microplastics in every organ, including the brain, where an adult human could harbor five to ten grams of plastic over a lifetime. This raises questions about the long-term effects of microplastic exposure on human health, especially when considering vulnerable populations such as children and the elderly. As the scientific community continues to explore these risks, public concern is expected to grow, prompting calls for more stringent regulations and innovative solutions. 'America Is Stunned': China's Revolutionary Moss Sponge Cleans Up Oil Spills With 90% Reuse, Redefining Global Environmental Power Simple Cleaning Could Cut Contamination While the health effects of microplastics are still being studied, ANSES has identified a practical method to reduce contamination: cleaning the caps. By blowing air and rinsing the caps with a mixture of water and alcohol, microplastic levels can be reduced by up to 60%. This simple intervention could significantly decrease the number of microplastics entering beverages, offering a straightforward approach to improving consumer safety. This finding challenges the notion that complex solutions are necessary to tackle microplastic pollution, instead suggesting that small, deliberate actions can have a substantial impact. As awareness grows, manufacturers and consumers alike may need to re-evaluate packaging practices and consider how such measures can be implemented on a broader scale. As we grapple with the implications of microplastic contamination in glass-bottled beverages, the question remains: how will this knowledge shape the future of packaging and consumer safety? The findings urge us to reconsider the materials we trust and to seek innovative solutions to protect our health and the environment. What steps will society take to address this invisible threat, and how will we adapt to the challenges it presents? Our author used artificial intelligence to enhance this article. Did you like it? 4.5/5 (23)
Gizmodo
2 days ago
- Science
- Gizmodo
Mexico's President Has Had Just About Enough of Elon's Exploding Rockets
After a string of failed test flights and exploding rockets, Mexico has had enough of its neighboring SpaceX facility. Mexico's President Claudia Sheinbaum is threatening to sue over possible contamination from SpaceX's rocket launches that sometimes rain bits of debris across the nearby border. During a news conference on Wednesday, Sheinbaum said she was looking into filing the necessary lawsuits against SpaceX's possible violations, The Guardian reported. 'There is indeed contamination,' Sheinbaum told reporters, adding that she's looking into potential violations of international laws by the company. Last week, SpaceX's Starship rocket exploded in a massive fireball at the company's Starbase facility in South Texas. The rocket was undergoing routine preparations ahead of a static fire test when it suddenly erupted in flames, sending debris flying in different directions. The company reported no threat to nearby communities, but it urged the public to steer clear of the area while safety measures were being carried out. SpaceX's town of Starbase lies near the Texas-Mexico border, with the closest Mexican town being Matamoros, located some 8 miles (13 kilometers) away. This was the latest in a series of Starship testing mishaps that have sent rocket bits flying all over the place. In late May, the rocket broke apart during reentry after a leak led to loss of control. Earlier in March, flight 8 was cut short minutes after liftoff by a hardware failure in one of the Raptor engines. Starship exploded in the air, prompting the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to halt air traffic in parts of Florida. In January, Starship's flight 7 experienced a propellant leak and fire triggered by unexpected vibrations in the propulsion system. The rocket broke apart minutes after launch, raining debris over Caribbean islands. Local conservation groups have criticized SpaceX, arguing that the Starship rocket poses a threat to surrounding wildlife habitat in Boca Chica, Texas. Across the border in Mexico, officials are carrying out a 'comprehensive review' of the environmental impacts of the rocket launches for the neighboring state of Tamaulipas, Sheinbaum said, according to The Guardian. The Starship rocket is stirring up a fireball of trouble, and it's not even operational yet. Once Starship passes its test flights, SpaceX is aiming for 25 launches per year from its South Texas facility. That's a lot of rocket bits flying around.
The Guardian
3 days ago
- Politics
- The Guardian
A ban on forever chemicals would be best
The researcher quoted in your disturbing report on Sweden's Pfas (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) scandal says her work feels like trying to catch a runaway train (Poison in the water: the town with the world's worst case of forever chemicals contamination, 19 June). Kallinge is one of a growing list of European towns with extreme levels of Pfas. In fact, there are tens of thousands of contaminated sites. It is time to slam on the brakes. There is a lot of talk about clean-up technologies and how these might solve the problem. But relying on clean-ups is like bailing out a sinking boat with a teacup while the crew is busy drilling new holes in the hull. Legislation is urgent and essential. Indeed, Europe has a detailed plan to ban all Pfas, and with strict time limits on transitions to safe alternatives. But now Brussels says that, instead, it intends to exclude these chemicals from consumer products only. These account for barely one-fifth of all Pfas emissions, so banning them would only slow the rate at which they accumulate in water, soil and human tissue. Such a partial ban would be a short‑sighted capitulation to commercial interests and a free‑market ideology that opposes all regulation. Even when we halt the Pfas locomotive, we will be cleaning up this mess for decades to come. Jonatan Kleimark Head of corporate sustainability, ChemSec (International Chemical Secretariat), Gothenburg, Sweden Have an opinion on anything you've read in the Guardian today? Please email us your letter and it will be considered for publication in our letters section.
