Latest news with #JournalOfHazardousMaterials
Yahoo
25-05-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
New study makes concerning discovery about farms where food is grown: 'A critical step in understanding the potential risks'
A recent study made a disturbing discovery about the ongoing problem of tire chemicals seeping into agricultural products. A recent study published in the Journal of Hazardous Materials found that additives used in tire manufacturing were present in common fruits and vegetables eaten in Switzerland. While further research is needed to understand the implications for human health, this discovery was described as "a critical step in understanding the potential risks associated with these contaminants." As explained in a report from the École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne published by tires often "release additives such as antioxidants and vulcanizing agents" that can make their way to agriculture after dispersing through the air and being transported by runoff water. In addition to inhaling these chemicals, humans are exposed to them by ingesting contaminated food, researchers from the EPFL and the Swiss Federal Food Safety and Veterinary Office determined. "Our exposure to these additives is similar to that for other micropollutants," Florian Breider, who heads the Central Environmental Laboratory research group at the EPFL, said, per the university's report. "They're around us constantly, in every part of our environment. What we don't know is whether we need to introduce tighter controls, such as by phasing them out in tire manufacturing in favor of less toxic alternatives." As part of the study, scientists tested fruits and vegetables for 11 compounds typically found in tire additives and found traces of those compounds in 31% of the samples. The origin of the fruits and vegetables and whether they were organic made no difference in the findings, showing how wide the range of exposure is for the general public. "Since people's diets are broadly the same throughout Western Europe, there's a good chance that these findings are representative of consumers' exposure in neighboring countries," Breider said in the EPFL's report. This marks another growing concern for crops around the world. Many people are aware of the issue of fruits and vegetables being covered in pesticides. While useful for protecting crops, pesticides can have detrimental effects and can lead to an increased risk of significant health issues such as cancer and diabetes. The health effects of tire additives are still being explored, but any exposure to chemicals is unsettling. "We don't know how these compounds are metabolized by the human body," Breider said in the EPFL's report. "It's something we need to explore because we're all exposed to these compounds—and especially people in certain population groups, such as road workers." According to the EPFL's report, scientists in China are also looking into the subject and testing for the presence of tire additives in human blood and urine samples. Scientists in Switzerland are taking the broader approach of "exploring ways in which roads can be decontaminated to prevent tire additives from entering the environment." Do you worry about pesticides in your food? All the time Sometimes Not really I only eat organic Click your choice to see results and speak your mind. You can limit exposure to chemicals in various ways. Cooking at home as much as possible, using less plastic packaging, and growing your own produce are simple actions you can take to protect yourself. By increasing consumer awareness of these dangers, more people can put pressure on companies to phase out dangerous materials. Join our free newsletter for easy tips to save more and waste less, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet.
News.com.au
11-05-2025
- Health
- News.com.au
Common household appliance raises kids' cancer risk
A new study has revealed that a common household appliance increases the risk of cancer in children nearly twice as much as it does in adults. Benzene, a toxic substance present in petrol, cigarette smoke, and paint strippers, is recognised as a carcinogen, meaning it is a substance that can cause cancer. Prolonged exposure to elevated benzene levels has been associated with leukaemia and various blood cancers. Now, research from Stanford University has discovered that benzene-related cancer risks are significantly higher in 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 authors of the study explained, according to The New York Post. The study is set to be released in the 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 leukaemia cases attributable to gas stove use,' they continued. Researchers conducted simulations of various cooking scenarios that included different burner intensities and oven temperatures, with minimal or no ventilation. They found that when there is no ventilation, benzene exposure is highest in the kitchens and living rooms of smaller apartments, followed by manufactured homes, attached homes, and detached homes. The heightened risks in bedrooms were especially concerning, as this is where people usually spend the most time. Their analysis also indicated that children's cancer risk from gas stove exposure is 1.85 times greater than that of adults. The researchers noted that children typically have a faster breathing rate and inhale more air — consequently more pollutants — compared to their smaller body sizes. '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 stated. Ventilation plays a crucial role in lowering benzene concentrations, so the researchers recommend opening windows and using high-quality outdoor vent hoods. Homeowners may also consider switching 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,' it explained. In recent years, gas stoves have faced criticism due to studies showing that they release pollutants such as nitrogen dioxide, carbon monoxide, benzene, and formaldehyde. These emissions may cause asthma and could elevate the risk of heart disease and other health issues. In Australia, there is no nationwide ban on gas stoves; however, some states have started to restrict or phase out gas connections in homes, partly due to environmental concerns and a push to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. For example, the Victorian Government began phasing out new gas connections for new homes from January 2024, and the ACT did the same in December 2023. Currently about five million households in Australia use gas, with the most gas use in homes and small businesses being in Victoria, New South Wales and the ACT.
