Latest news with #TashaStoiber
San Francisco Chronicle
12 hours ago
- Health
- San Francisco Chronicle
New study found microplastics in a place you wouldn't expect — but does it really matter?
If you're trying to avoid microplastics, picking a glass bottle over a plastic one would seem like a sensible step. But a new study from researchers in France uncovered counterintuitive results showing higher concentrations of microplastics in beverages that came from glass bottles compared to other materials — including plastic. The study, titled 'Microplastic contaminations in a set of beverages sold in France,' was conducted by researchers at French food safety agency ANSES and is published in the August edition of the peer-reviewed Journal of Food Composition and Analysis. In it, researchers looked at microplastic concentrations in drinks like water, cola, tea, lemonade, beer and wine in different types of containers, including plastic and glass bottles and metal cans. With the exception of wine, researchers found the most microplastic content in beverages that came out of glass bottles. So what's going on? How could there be more plastic in glass than plastic? The culprit: The cap. Though the bottles were made of glass, the caps were painted metal. Most paint is made of plastic. When scientists compared the color of the plastic particles in the liquid, it was the same color as the paint on the lid. That means bits of paint got scratched off the caps and went into the drinks. The study included close-up photos where you can see small scratches on the insides of the caps. That also explains why they found comparatively fewer particles in wine: They were traditional glass bottles capped with corks, not metal lids. The study was set up to examine the levels of microplastic content across different container materials, which is why the study phrases the highlighted results in that context ('Drinks in glass bottles more contaminated by microplastics'). But the conclusions indicate something more nuanced: There are multiple sources of microplastic contamination in what we eat and drink, and it's impossible to avoid them all, even if you're conscientious. The findings are consistent with what microplastics researchers around the world have found in many other studies, said Tasha Stoiber, a senior scientist with environmental advocacy nonprofit the Environmental Working Group: 'It fits in with what we know, which is that microplastics are in a range of food and beverages.' The study only looked at a handful of brands per category, and only six samples per brand, which all came from the same batch lot. If anything, experts who reviewed the study said, the findings are an indication that bottled beverage manufacturers should be examining their materials and processes and seeing whether simple steps like pre-cleaning the caps with air or liquid could meaningfully reduce microplastic concentrations. The results don't mean that you should never drink a bottled beverage ever again, or that you need to scrutinize cap or bottle material. Microplastics are in just about everything we eat and drink, said Britta Baechler, the Director of Ocean Plastics Research for Ocean Conservancy. She co-authored a study published last year that found microplastics in every type of commonly consumed protein the researchers looked at, including seafood, chicken, steak, pork and plant-based protein. She called this study 'yet another reminder of how deeply embedded plastic is in our lives and our food system.' In the grand scheme of microplastic consumption, fussing over what a bottle or cap of an individual drink is made of won't make a huge difference. Here's what experts say you can do to reduce your exposure: Avoid heating up food in plastic. Heating plastic releases more particles into food, and faster. Nonstick coating is made of plastic, so opting to cook on stainless steel or cast iron is another smart step. Avoid storing food in or eating food off of plastic. Glass, metal and ceramic are all better picks for your plates and storage containers. Eat more whole, unprocessed food and drinks. Researchers found fewer microplastics in water than bottled lemonade, tea or cola. In Baechler's study on proteins, the ones with the fewest microplastics per gram were chicken breasts and pork chops; heavily processed products like breaded shrimp, fish sticks and chicken nuggets contained the highest concentrations. Drink filtered or tap water from your home out of stainless or glass drinkware. Tap water has consistently been found to contain fewer microplastics than other sources, Baechler said. Broadly speaking, despite the findings of this study, microplastics experts still say glass bottles are better than plastic ones. Glass itself does not — cannot — shed microplastics into what you drink. And glass bottles are much more recyclable than plastic. Many plastic bottles, even ones that make it into your recycling bin, wind up not being recycled. 'We're finding microplastics in everything,' said Amelia Meyer, a co-leader of the Plastics Working Group at Stanford University. 'You can only do so much. You have to drink water.'
National Geographic
10-04-2025
- Health
- National Geographic
Dust isn't just dirt—it's full of ‘forever chemicals' that can harm your health
Cleaning the dust from your home is more critical than you think for your health—but put down that feather duster. Studies show that dust is filled with chemicals that are linked to health conditions such as cancer, diabetes, endometriosis, and attention deficit disorder. And experts point out these cleaning tools only re-suspend dust in the air, causing you to inhale all those chemicals. Photograph by Steven Puetzer, Getty Images Dust may seem like a harmless nuisance—but experts say those tiny particles that are floating in the air or accumulating in clumps under your couch or on your windowsill may actually cause more harm than you think. 'Most people think dust is gross but I don't think people associate dust with the potential health harms it may contain,' says Tasha Stoiber, a senior scientist at the Environmental Working Group. 'It might not be people's number one cleaning priority.' But it should be high on the list of priorities because dust isn't just dirt. It contains a blend of various substances, including dead skin cells, hair fragments, pet dander, clothing and furniture fibers, dust mites, mold and fungi spores, microplastic particles, as well as allergens (such as pollen), bacteria, and soil particles that come in from outside. Furthermore, scientists are increasingly recognizing that dust also contains potentially and harmful chemicals that aren't visible to the naked eye. Researchers have identified 45 potentially harmful chemicals in indoor dust, with phthalates, phenols, and flame retardants at the highest levels. Another study in the journal Environmental Science & Technology identified 258 chemicals in household dust samples. Chemicals in household dust include pesticides, per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS, a.k.a. 'forever chemicals'), lead, and other volatile organic compounds. (Forever chemicals are also hiding in your kitchen. Here's where.) In fact, a study in a December 2024 issue of the journal Environment International found that exposure to PFAS in house dust may contribute up to 25 percent of total exposure for adults. And a study in a February 2025 issue of the International Journal of Cancer examined chemical exposure from dust among children ages seven and younger: The researchers found that kids who were exposed to a mixture of eight PFAS from collected household dust samples were 60 percent more likely to develop leukemia than kids with less PFAS exposure. Researchers have identified 258 chemicals in household dust samples—including PFAS, or "forever chemicals." Using a high-quality HVAC filter like this one can help mitigate the accumulation of dust. Photograph by Smith Collection/Gado/Getty Images How the chemicals in dust harm your health Many of the chemicals that scientists have found in dust are endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs), meaning they hijack, mimic or interfere with hormones in the body's endocrine system in ways that can have serious health repercussions. These chemicals, along with other particles present in the environment, adhere to indoor dust. 'Dust is an incredible reservoir for chemicals in the home—chemicals that can stay there for years,' says Robin Dodson, an exposure scientist at Silent Spring Institute, based in Newton, Massachusetts. And because these chemicals end up in the dust in the air, on the floor and on other surfaces in our homes, they end up inside our bodies when we inhale them, ingest them, or absorb them through our skin. (Microplastics are also in our bodies. How much do they harm us?) 'Most of the dust you breathe in goes into the back of the throat and into the stomach where it's digested,' says Gabriel Filippelli, a professor and executive director of the Indiana University Environmental Resilience Institute in Indianapolis. In the short term, exposure to these chemicals can lead to respiratory irritation and flareups of allergies or asthma, research has found. Over the long haul, exposure to some of these EDCs has been linked with an increased risk of certain reproductive problems (such as endometriosis in women and reduced semen quality in men), various forms of cancer, obesity, type 2 diabetes, thyroid problems, liver and kidney disease, and neurologic and developmental disorders such as attention deficit disorder. The exact mechanisms behind these health effects vary, but they do have a few things in in common: Depending on the timing and dose of exposure, EDCs can interfere with the body's endocrine system in ways that can affect how cells and organs develop or function, explains Shanna Swan, a reproductive epidemiologist and a professor of environmental medicine and climate science at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai. These changes can in turn raise the risk of developing health problems and developmental disorders. Who is most at risk from dust? The threshold for how much exposure to these chemicals in dust is too much may depend on people's underlying health status and personal susceptibility, experts say. 'Children are more highly exposed to dust because of their size and because they sit on the floor and often have a lot of hand-to-mouth activity,' says Dodson. They're also especially vulnerable because their brains and bodies are still developing That's why exposure to lead-contaminated household dust—typically from lead paint, which was banned in 1978 but often persists in older homes—is such a concern for young kids; exposure to lead can permanently affect young children's brain development. Pregnant women are also at potentially increased risk because some of these chemicals—particularly EDCs such as phthalates—can affect a fetus' reproductive development in the womb, says Swan, author of Count Down: How Our Modern World Is Threatening Sperm Counts, Altering Male and Female Reproductive Development, and Imperiling the Future of the Human Race. Older adults and anyone with a chronic disease such as heart or lung disease also could be more susceptible to health harms from these chemicals, Stoiber says. How to get rid of dust in your home—without spreading it Some irritants and chemicals in household dust come in from outside. But some are generated within your walls—released from carpets, furniture, flooring, drapes, vinyl shower curtains, electronic devices (including TVs and computers), air fresheners and other household items. Some of these chemicals also are released from paint, vinyl flooring, cleaning products and personal care products such as fragrances and moisturizers. 'Whatever products you bring into the home, the chemicals [they contain] don't stay in those products—they get shed out and migrate into the dust in your home,' Stoiber explains. (Is a shoe-free home really better? Scientists may have an answer.) One of your best weapons against household dust is a vacuum with a high efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter, which captures small particles, Dodson says. Vacuum your home at least once a week, and be sure to use special attachments and brushes to get to hard-to-reach places like under couch cushions, in corners of the room, and the tracks of sliding doors and windows. (Remember to change the filter regularly to keep it operating well.) It also can help to use a high-quality furnace filter, Filippelli says. Be sure to change it every one to three months, depending on your household conditions. Some experts recommend using portable air cleaners with a HEPA filter, as well. A study in a 2022 issue of the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health found that using a portable HEPA air cleaner significantly reduces indoor particulate matter, including the major air pollutants in both outdoor and indoor environments. Avoid air purifiers with ionizers or ozone generators because these release harmful chemicals that can be absorbed by dust, Pollitt says. Keep in mind that 'use of certain cleaning products can exacerbate these [toxic] issues because the chemicals migrate into the air,' says Krystal Pollitt, an associate professor of epidemiology at the Yale School of Public Health. Carpet shampoos, all-purpose household cleaners, window- and wood-cleaning products, stain removers and disinfectants all may contain EDCs or other harmful chemicals. Consider upgrading your choice of cleaning products to greener or less harmful products. When it comes to dusting surfaces, it's best to use a slightly damp cotton rag or a microfiber cloth with soap and water, water and vinegar, or water and baking soda. Dust will adhere to a damp cloth more readily than a dry one. If you use a furniture spray, spray the cleaner onto a cloth or sponge first, rather than spraying the furniture directly, so that dust doesn't get airborne. Remember, too, that a 'feather duster is problematic because it re-suspends dust to the point where we ingest it,' says Filippelli. The same is true of sweeping floors, so it's better to use a damp mop, rather than a broom. Wash kids' hands before they eat and wash their toys regularly, especially those that end up on the floor, Dodson says. Eliminating dust in your home may be impossible but these strategies can help you reduce the amount of potentially harmful dust—and every step you take can make a difference. As proof, consider this: One study found that after just a week of increased hand washing and cleaning to reduce household dust, people cut their exposure to flame retardants in half.
Yahoo
26-03-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Researchers make alarming discovery about health impact of US tap water — here's what you need to know
Access to clean drinking water is a fundamental right. But a shocking new report suggests that millions of Americans may be consuming water laced with hazardous chemicals — including PFAS "forever chemicals," heavy metals, and even radioactive substances — at levels far beyond what experts consider safe. A recent update to the Tap Water Database, compiled by the nonprofit Environmental Working Group, analyzed water safety data from nearly 50,000 systems across the country between 2021 and 2023. The findings? A staggering 324 contaminants were detected in drinking water systems, affecting nearly every U.S. state. "This is a wake-up call," EWG senior scientist Tasha Stoiber said in a statement. While some of these contaminants — like nitrates from agricultural runoff or disinfection byproducts — have likely been present for years, others, including industrial pollutants like hexavalent chromium (made famous by the film "Erin Brockovich"), are newly emerging threats. Alarmingly, regulations may not be keeping pace. The Safe Drinking Water Act of 1974 mandates the Environmental Protection Agency to set safety limits on contaminants, but experts warn that many limits are outdated — or nonexistent. Drinking contaminated water isn't just an environmental issue — it's a direct health risk. Long-term exposure to many of these chemicals have been linked to serious health conditions, including various cancers, endocrine disruption, developmental issues in children, and weakened immune function. PFAS, in particular, have been found in the drinking water of over 143 million Americans, and because they don't break down over time, they accumulate in the body, increasing the likelihood of harmful effects. The legal and regulatory landscape surrounding these contaminants is also shifting in concerning ways. While the EPA recently acknowledged that there is no safe level of PFAS — which stands for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances — in drinking water and established federal limits, those protections are now at risk. The U.S. Court of Appeals for D.C. recently paused lawsuits from both water utility and chemical industry groups, delaying stricter regulations from taking effect. This delay raises fears that future policies could be weakened, leaving millions exposed to potentially toxic water. How often do you worry about the quality of your drinking water? Never Sometimes Often Always Click your choice to see results and speak your mind. While there's still a long way to go, steps are being taken at both the state and federal levels to address water contamination. Some states — including California, Michigan, and New York — have implemented their own stricter regulations on contaminants like PFAS, setting limits beyond federal requirements to ensure safer drinking water. Additionally, organizations like EWG, Clean Water Action, and Food & Water Watch are pushing for updated standards and increased funding for water treatment improvements. Public pressure remains key in driving change. Supporting policies that strengthen drinking water protections and urging elected officials to take action can help push for meaningful reforms. 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.
Yahoo
26-02-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
324 contaminants found in drinking water systems across US: Research
A survey of nearly 50,000 water networks nationwide revealed a staggering 324 different contaminants flowing out of American taps — with detectable levels of various pollutants showing up in nearly all water systems. The findings, from this year's update to the Environmental Working Group's (EWG) Tap Water Database, reveal that millions of people could be consuming water tainted with toxic chemicals, heavy metals and radioactive compounds, often at levels much higher than what scientists consider safe. 'This is a wake-up call,' Tasha Stoiber, a senior scientist at EWG, said in a statement. 'Outdated federal regulations continue to leave millions of people at risk of exposure to harmful substances.' The massive database provides a ZIP code-level window into the specific contaminants affecting community drinking water supplies, compiled from water quality data collected between 2021 and 2023. Upon entering a specific ZIP code into the search bar, users can scroll down to select the utility that serves their community. The database then specifies the concentrations of 'contaminants detected' alongside a comparison of EWG's health guidelines. Alongside the results is a caveat that 'legal does not necessarily equal safe,' with a warning that in many cases, the 'legal limits for contaminants in tap water have not been updated in almost 20 years.' Of particular concern to the researchers was the nationwide prevalence of cancer-causing 'forever chemicals,' which appeared in the drinking water of more than 143 million people. There are thousands of types of these synthetic compounds, also known as per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), which are common ingredients in household items like waterproof apparel, nonstick pans and certain kinds of cosmetics. While the Biden administration in 2024 set drinking water standards for six types of PFAS, scientists have shown that for the most notorious of these chemicals, there is no safe consumption level. Another compound of concern was hexavalent chromium, or chromium-6, which came into the public eye through the work of environmental activist Erin Brockovich, in Hinkley, Calif. This carcinogenic form of chromium is present in the drinking water of more than 250 million Americans, and there is no federal limit on the substance. Other pollutants that alarmed the EWG researchers were volatile organic compounds, like trichloroethylene (TCE), nitrates, heavy metals like arsenic and disinfection byproducts. In Washington, D.C., some of the biggest offenders were nitrates, hexavalent chromium, radium and lead. Los Angeles's drinking water contained the radioactive contaminant uranium, hexavalent chromium, lead and disinfection byproducts. As for New York City, pollutants in the drinking water system included hexavalent chromium, chloroform and various disinfection byproducts. 'For too long, outdated federal standards have failed to reflect the latest science on drinking water, leaving millions exposed to harmful chemicals,' Melanie Benesh, vice president of government affairs at EWG, said in a statement. Since the Trump administration took office, environmental activists have feared that certain existing standards could be rolled back and further complicate efforts to clean up American water supplies. It remains to be seen, however, what — if any — such action will be taken. 'Safe drinking water shouldn't be a political debate — it's a fundamental right,' Benesh said. 'A rollback of these hard-won protections would be a devastating setback.' Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
The Hill
26-02-2025
- Health
- The Hill
324 contaminants found in drinking water systems across US: Research
A survey of nearly 50,000 water networks nationwide revealed a staggering 324 different contaminants flowing out of American taps — with detectable levels of various pollutants showing up in nearly all water systems. The findings, from this year's update to the Environmental Working Group's (EWG) Tap Water Database, reveal that millions of people could be consuming water tainted with toxic chemicals, heavy metals and radioactive compounds, often at levels much higher than what scientists consider safe. 'This is a wake-up call,' Tasha Stoiber, a senior scientist at EWG, said in a statement. 'Outdated federal regulations continue to leave millions of people at risk of exposure to harmful substances.' The massive database provides a ZIP code-level window into the specific contaminants affecting community drinking water supplies, compiled from water quality data collected between 2021 and 2023. Upon entering a specific ZIP code into the search bar, users can scroll down to select the utility that serves their community. The database then specifies the concentrations of 'contaminants detected' alongside a comparison of EWG's health guidelines. Alongside the results is a caveat that 'legal does not necessarily equal safe,' with a warning that in many cases, the 'legal limits for contaminants in tap water have not been updated in almost 20 years.' Of particular concern to the researchers was the nationwide prevalence of cancer-causing 'forever chemicals,' which appeared in the drinking water of more than 143 million people. There are thousands of types of these synthetic compounds, also known as per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), which are common ingredients in household items like waterproof apparel, nonstick pans and certain kinds of cosmetics. While the Biden administration in 2024 set drinking water standards for six types of PFAS, scientists have shown that for the most notorious of these chemicals, there is no safe consumption level. Another compound of concern was hexavalent chromium, or chromium-6, which came into the public eye through the work of environmental activist Erin Brockovich, in Hinkley, Calif. This carcinogenic form of chromium is present in the drinking water of more than 250 million Americans, and there is no federal limit on the substance. Other pollutants that alarmed the EWG researchers were volatile organic compounds, like trichloroethylene (TCE), nitrates, heavy metals like arsenic and disinfection byproducts. In Washington, D.C., some of the biggest offenders were nitrates, hexavalent chromium, radium and lead. Los Angeles's drinking water contained the radioactive contaminant uranium, hexavalent chromium, lead and disinfection byproducts. As for New York City, pollutants in the drinking water system included hexavalent chromium, chloroform and various disinfection byproducts. 'For too long, outdated federal standards have failed to reflect the latest science on drinking water, leaving millions exposed to harmful chemicals,' Melanie Benesh, vice president of government affairs at EWG, said in a statement. Since the Trump administration took office, environmental activists have feared that certain existing standards could be rolled back and further complicate efforts to clean up American water supplies. It remains to be seen, however, what — if any — such action will be taken. 'Safe drinking water shouldn't be a political debate — it's a fundamental right,' Benesh said. 'A rollback of these hard-won protections would be a devastating setback.'
