Latest news with #ProjectNePTWNE
Yahoo
30-07-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Indoor air contains thousands of microplastics small enough to penetrate deep into our lungs, study finds
Thousands of microplastics so small they can penetrate deep into the lungs are in the air you breathe in your home and car, a new study has found. The particles are likely the result of the degradation of plastic-filled objects such as carpet, curtains, furniture and textiles and the plastic parts of car interiors, according to the study published Wednesday in the journal PLOS One. 'People spend an average of 90% of their time indoors, including homes, workplaces, shops, transportation … all the while they are exposed to microplastic pollution through inhalation without even thinking about it,' senior study author Jeroen Sonke and lead author Nadiia Yakovenko said in a joint statement. 'Microplastics in the air, especially indoors, may be an invisible threat we are only beginning to understand.' Sonke is a research director at the National Centre for Scientific Research, which is affliated with France's University of Toulouse. Yakovenko is a postdoctoral researcher of environmental geosciences at the university. 'While research is still ongoing, there is concern that long-term exposure to microplastics and their additives may contribute to respiratory problems, disrupt endocrine function and increase risk for neurodevelopmental disorders, reproductive birth defects, infertility, cardiovascular disease, and cancers,' the two said. The study found adults may inhale some 68,000 microplastic particles of 1 to 10 micrometers per day from indoor air — an estimate that is 100 times more than expected, according to Sonke and his team. In comparison, a red blood cell is 6.2 to 8.2 micrometers, while E. coli bacteria may be 1 to 2 micrometers long. 'This adds to the body of knowledge we have that microplastics are everywhere and getting into humans in every way imaginable,' said microplastics researcher Sherri 'Sam' Mason, director of Project NePTWNE at Gannon University in Erie, Pennsylvania, via email. She was not involved in the study. (NepTWNE is short for Nano & Polymer Technology for Water and Neural-networks.) Scientists have detected microplastics in human testes and the penis, human blood, lung and liver tissues, urine and feces, mother's milk, and the placenta. A February study found nearly a spoon's worth of microplastics in human brain tissue. A March 2024 study found people with microplastics in their carotid artery tissues were twice as likely to have a heart attack, stroke or die from any cause over the next three years than those who had none. 'The size of these particles are especially concerning as the smaller the particle, the bigger the impact on human health,' said Mason, one of the first scientists to measure microplastics in bottled water. Kimberly Wise White, vice president of regulatory and scientific affairs at the American Chemistry Council, which represents the plastics industry, expressed concerns about the study's methodology. 'This study is based on a very small sample size and acknowledges a contamination rate of 18%, which raises questions about the accuracy of the findings,' White said via email. 'Additional work using validated methods and standardized exposure assumptions is essential before drawing conclusions about potential health impacts.' Cars are a significant source of microplastic pollution To do the study, Sonke and his team took indoor air samples from their apartments and while in their cars driving between cities in France. In the United States, AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety statistics have shown the average American spent about 60 minutes a day inside a car in 2023. Car cabins can be a significant source of microplastic exposure because they are small, enclosed spaces filled with plastic-based materials — dashboards, steering wheels, door handles, seat fabrics, carpets and carpet liners are all made with plastics, Sonke and Yakovenko said. 'These materials can shed tiny plastic particles over time, especially by solar irradiance, friction, heat and daily use,' they said. 'Unlike homes, car cabins often have limited ventilation, allowing microplastic particles to accumulate and concentrate in the air. As a result, they can be inhaled in higher amounts during regular commutes or long drives.' Testing found some 2,238 microplastics particles per cubic meter of air inside the cars — much more than the 528 particles found in a similar amount of air from inside homes. 'We often associate plastic pollution with oceans or industrial areas,' Sonke and Yakovenko said, 'but our findings showed that the everyday indoor environment where we spend most of our time can be a major source of human exposure.' To measure the plastic concentrations, the team used Raman microscopy, a newer and powerful technique that can measure down to about 1 micrometer. This technique is different from those applied in past studies, which have used methods that can only measure larger particles down to 20 micrometers, they said. 'Their analysis is sound,' said Wei Min, a professor of chemistry at Columbia University in New York City who specializes in developing next-generation microscopy techniques. He was not involved in the study. 'They were using a commercial instrument, and the limit of detection is at its best condition (around 1 micrometer),' Min said via email. 'This allows them to capture (1 to 10) micrometer population, which had remained largely undetected in previous studies of in-door air.' However, the study was unable to measure even smaller particles, called nanoplastics, which are measured in nanometers instead of micrometers. It takes 1,000 nanometers to make 1 micrometer — in comparison, an average human hair is roughly 80,000 to 100,000 nanometers in diameter. 'The present study provides important information but also speaks to the need for advancements in the technology to assess even smaller polymer particles, both in the air and in our bodies,' said microplastics researcher Matthew Campen, regents' professor and professor of pharmaceutical sciences at the University of New Mexico in Albuquerque. Nanoplastics are the most worrisome type of plastic pollution for human health, experts say. That's because the minuscule particles can invade individual cells and tissues in major organs, potentially interrupting cellular processes and depositing endocrine-disrupting chemicals such as bisphenols, phthalates, flame retardants, perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances, or PFAS, and heavy metals. Ways to cut back on plastic There are many steps individuals can take to reduce their exposure to plastics and their plastic footprint, experts say. In February, CNN spoke to pediatrician Dr. Philip Landrigan, lead author of a March 2023 report from the Minderoo–Monaco Commission on Plastics and Human Health, a global consortium of scientists, health care workers and policy analysts charged with following plastics from creation to final product. In that report, the consortium determined plastics are associated with harms to human health at every single stage of the plastic life cycle. 'I say to people, 'Listen, there are some plastics that you can't escape. You're not going to get a cell phone or a computer that doesn't contain plastic.' But do try to minimize your exposure to the plastic that you can avoid, especially single-use plastics,' said Landrigan, a professor of biology who directs the Program for Global Public Health and the Common Good and the Global Observatory on Planetary Health at Boston College. It's hard to avoid foods wrapped in plastic film because they are so ubiquitous, Landrigan said, but you can take food out of the plastic wrapping before cooking or putting it in the microwave. 'When you heat plastic, that accelerates the movement of the microplastics out of the wrapping into the food,' he said. Invest in a zippered fabric bag and ask the dry cleaner to return your clothes in it instead of those thin sheets of plastic, suggests the Natural Resources Defense Council, an environmental advocacy group. Bring a travel mug to the local coffee store for takeout and silverware to the office to cut back on plastic cups and utensils. 'Don't use plastic bags when you go shopping. Use a cloth bag or a paper bag or a recycle bag,' Landrigan said. 'Try to avoid plastic water bottles, if you can possibly do so.' A January 2024 study found 1 liter of bottled water — the equivalent of two standard-size bottled waters typically purchased by consumers — contained an average of 240,000 plastic particles from seven types of plastics. Some 90% of those were nanoplastics. 'Use a metal or glass drinking cup instead of a plastic cup. Store your food in glass containers instead of in plastic ones,' Landrigan said. 'Work in your local community to ban plastic bags, as many communities around the United States have now done. There is a lot you can do.' Get inspired by a weekly roundup on living well, made simple. Sign up for CNN's Life, But Better newsletter for information and tools designed to improve your well-being. Solve the daily Crossword
Yahoo
10-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Erie Insurance impacted by weekend network outage, but what does that mean?
Erie Insurance is experiencing a network outage that has disrupted its systems, affecting online account access and customer care services. The outage began over the weekend and has continued, with Erie Insurance deploying all available resources to restore access as soon as possible. The company's website states that online account and customer care services are not operational for billing and coverage additions. Construction continues on Project NePTWNE water research lab at Blasco Library Christopher Mansour, Chair and Associate Professor of Cyber Security at Mercyhurst University, explained that network outages are common and sometimes require investigation to determine the cause. Mansour noted that companies like Erie Insurance, a Fortune 500 company, have extensive resources and connections, including third-party vendors, working to resolve the situation. New Aldi location approved in Millcreek Township He adds network outages can degrade business operations, affecting daily processes and customer interactions. Mansour emphasized that businesses often have plans in place to address technology-related incidents to quickly resume operations. Erie Insurance is actively working to resolve the network outage. All facts in this report were gathered by journalists employed by WJET/WFXP. Artificial intelligence tools were used to reformat from a broadcast script into a news article for our website. This report was edited and fact-checked by WJET/WFXP staff before being published. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
10-06-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Men's Mental Health Awareness Month aims to stop stigma of seeking professional health
Millions of men suffer from mental health issues each year, yet less than half seek help, highlighting the importance of Men's Mental Health Awareness Month in June. Despite the prevalence of mental health conditions among men, societal stigma often prevents them from seeking help or admitting to struggles. This stigma contributes to men being four times more likely to die by suicide than women. Edinboro Lantern Festival raises money for local non-profit 'When you're told constantly to hold it in and not talk about it, you have to hold it together for the family or whatever your situation might be, it can get very tough,' said Denana Ivankovic, Marketing and Communications Specialist at NAMI of Erie County. Men are generally encouraged to 'tough it out' or 'deal with it,' due to social pressures and gender norms that discourage vulnerability. This often leads to untreated mental health issues, which can result in risky behaviors and mood disturbances. Denana Ivankovic noted that substance misuse is a common coping mechanism for men struggling with mental health, which can exacerbate their problems instead of addressing the underlying issues. Symptoms of mental health struggles in men may include becoming more antisocial or angry, experiencing a loss of appetite, and having regular disruptions in sleep. These symptoms, if left unaddressed, can lead to worsening mental health conditions. Construction continues on Project NePTWNE water research lab at Blasco Library Ivankovic encourages open conversations about mental health, stating, 'If you think someone might be struggling, just have that conversation and openly ask them if they're doing ok. Also, a common misconception is that you don't want to ask someone if they're thinking about killing themselves. It's actually encouraged to do that just because if they are having that thought, you having that conversation could actually save their life.' Raising awareness and encouraging open dialogue about men's mental health can help reduce stigma and potentially save lives. For more information on how NAMI is working to stomp the stigma, click here. All facts in this report were gathered by journalists employed by WJET/WFXP. Artificial intelligence tools were used to reformat from a broadcast script into a news article for our website. This report was edited and fact-checked by WJET/WFXP staff before being published. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
09-06-2025
- Science
- Yahoo
Construction continues on Project NePTWNE water research lab at Blasco Library
Gannon University's Center for Lake Erie Education and Research is taking shape inside the Blasco Library on the bayfront. Construction continues on the center, which is part of Gannon University's Project NePTWNE. Hagen History Center receives $100K grant to restore Watson-Curtze Mansion windows It will consist of public spaces educating visitors and locals alike about Lake Erie and its native species. It will also be a hub that can show off weather patterns, shipping routes and welcome educators and scientists for hands-on research. ANNA Shelter, Community Blood Bank team up for Paws and Pints event 'This is really about helping us to get people out into the water to help them to do science in the public interest, engage with our environment, and to understand what all of the data means. It's helped us to communicate science in the public interest in a really interactive and fun way,' said Dr. Sherri Mason, director of Project NePTWNE at Gannon University. Dr. Mason said people will be welcome to join researchers, giving them the chance to help collect data. The center is expected to open in the fall. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
07-05-2025
- Yahoo
Erie police investigating Tuesday night shooting, asking for video footage
Erie police are investigating after a shooting sent one person to the hospital. Just before 9 p.m. Tuesday night, police responded to a Shotspotter call for a large amount of gunfire in the area of West 10th and Raspberry Streets. Shooting on Erie's west side sends one to the hospital Police found a large amount of shell casings around the area. A short time later, police were notified that a gunshot victim arrived at the hospital by personal vehicle. According to the deputy chief, the victim is a 19-year-old male who was shot once in the leg, and the injuries are said to be non-life-threatening. Lawsuit moves forward against Project NePTWNE lease 'At this point in time we've collected forensic evidence from the scene, our major crimes unit is currently taking a look at surveillance in the area,' said Deputy Chief of Erie Police Rick Lorah. No arrests have been made at this time. If you have a surveillance or Ring camera in that area, police ask that you give them a call. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WJET/WFXP/
