Latest news with #JournalofHazardousMaterials
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.
New York Post
08-05-2025
- Health
- New York Post
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. 4 Long-term exposure to high levels of benzene has been linked to leukemia and other blood-related cancers. Alex Shared/ – '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.' 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. 4 Gas stoves have fueled heated debate about health and environmental concerns and government overreach with limitations or bans. Getty Images 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. 4 Benzene levels were compared in different rooms for the new Stanford study. Garg et al., Journal of Hazardous Materials, 2025 For this new study, they 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. 4 This kitchen could use windows to help clear the air from the stove. Imagenet – 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.
Yahoo
25-04-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Scientists expose hidden dangers in widely used farming products — here's what you need to know
A new University of Missouri study found that slow-release fertilizers meant to nourish crops may be quietly polluting the planet with microplastics, according to an article posted on The study, published in the Journal of Hazardous Materials, found that commonly used polymer-coated, controlled-release fertilizers may contribute to microplastic pollution. The researchers reported that these fertilizers use plastic-based coatings to slowly release nutrients into the soil, delivering minerals over a sustained period for improved crop efficacy. But these plastic coatings do not fully degrade in soil. Instead, they break down into tiny plastic particles that pollute the environment. The researchers warned that these microplastics could lead to degraded soil quality, contaminated waterways, and food safety issues. While polymer-coated, controlled-release fertilizers are often marketed as efficient, this efficiency comes at an environmental cost. Microplastics never disappear from our environment, contaminating waterways, soil, and air. These pervasive particles can cause long-term damage to the environment, ecosystems, and human health. Research on microplastics is still emerging, but what we know is alarming. Microplastics are prevalent in global waterways and, therefore, global drinking water. Runoff from agricultural fields can carry microplastics into nearby waterways, contributing to this environmental harm. In the soil, these particles can disrupt natural microbial activity, reduce soil fertility, and degrade the long-term health of farmland. Microplastics can even travel through the air and enter our bodies through breathing. A 2020 study found that humans inhale approximately 16.2 bits of microplastics per hour — the equivalent of a credit card per week. According to Harvard Medicine, exposure to microplastics has been linked to a wide range of human health impacts, including reproductive issues, cancers, inflammation, lung and liver effects, hormonal disruption, and changes to the gut microbiome. The study encourages farmers to consider controlled-release fertilizer options with biodegradable coatings, often made from starch or cellulose. These options reduce plastic pollution while maintaining the same nutrient benefits as polymer-coated fertilizers. Farmers can also switch to natural fertilizers to support their crops — and the planet. Natural fertilizers such as compost and mulch and seaweed can support a healthy garden using enriching organic biomatter. Growth strategies such as practicing crop rotation and growing polycultures can also support long-term soil vitality, naturally replenishing nutrients and promoting ecosystem balance. 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. For large commercial farms, soil testing, drip irrigation, and targeted nutrient application can ensure that crops receive only what they need. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, these tactics help reduce runoff, overfertilization, and pollution. If farmers insist on using fertilizers with plastic coatings, the researchers recommend implementing effective stormwater management practices to reduce environmental risk. 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.
