plastic pollution

Scientists Find Microplastics in Ovarian Follicular Fluid for the First Time

Scientists Find Microplastics in Ovarian Follicular Fluid for the First Time

Microplastics have been found in human brains, placentas, testicular tissues, lungs and blood. Now, in a new study, scientists have identified microplastic particles in human ovarian follicular fluid for the first time, prompting concerns over how these pollutants could impact reproductive health. The study, published in the journal Ecotoxicology and Environmental Safety, found microplastics in […]

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    New Scorecard Ranks Food Packaging Options by Sustainability

    New Scorecard Ranks Food Packaging Options by Sustainability

    A newly launched guide, called the UP Scorecard, helps consumers and companies identify more sustainable packaging options.  The scorecard tool ranks food packaging based on six main sustainability factors, including water use required for manufacturing, recoverability, chemicals used in manufacturing, plastic pollution, sourcing and climate impacts. “With the launch of the UP Scorecard, businesses and […]

    Chewing Gum Could Release Microplastics Into Saliva, Study Finds

    Chewing Gum Could Release Microplastics Into Saliva, Study Finds

    According to a new study currently undergoing peer review, chewing gum could be a source of ingested microplastics. Researchers found that chewing gum could release thousands of microplastic particles into saliva over time, increasing the chance of ingestion. “Our goal is not to alarm anybody,” Sanjay Mohanty, principal investigator of the study and an engineering […]

    Microplastics Found in Birds’ Lungs in New Study

    Microplastics Found in Birds’ Lungs in New Study

    While previous research has revealed the presence of microplastics in human lungs, a new study confirms that microplastics are making their way into birds’ lungs as well. The study, published in the Journal of Hazardous Materials, is the first to confirm microplastic presence in birds’ lungs. The researchers focused on analyzing potential microplastics in birds, […]

    Antioxidants in Fruits, Veggies and Nuts May Counteract Harmful Reproductive Impacts of Microplastics, Scientists Find

    Antioxidants in Fruits, Veggies and Nuts May Counteract Harmful Reproductive Impacts of Microplastics, Scientists Find

    The antioxidants that make fruits and vegetables so colorful have been found to potentially counteract some of the worst effects of microplastics on the reproductive system. The powerful antioxidants could even be used to develop future treatments, according to new research. “The accumulation of [microplastics/nanoplastics] contaminants across ecosystems raises significant concerns for human health due […]