Latest news with #cleaningtool
News.com.au
3 days ago
- Health
- News.com.au
Trillions of microplastics released by this popular cleaning tool every month
A popular cleaning tool might leave your counters sparkling, but new research shows that the household staple is quietly shedding trillions of microplastics into the environment every month. Those pesky particles don't just disappear. They seep into the food you eat, the water you drink and the air you breathe. Eventually, they wind up in your body, too - and early evidence suggests they could be doing serious damage once they get there. Scientists from the American Chemical Society took a closer look at so-called 'magic' sponges, popular for their ability to remove grit and grime using water alone, The New York Post reported. Their scrubbing power comes from melamine foam, a lightweight yet durable plastic that acts like ultrafine sandpaper to gently scrape away dirt and stains from surfaces. But with every use, the sponges gradually breaks down, shedding tiny fibres called microplastics in their wake. To get a sense of how much plastic is being released, researchers tested sponges from three popular brands by rubbing them against textured metal to mimic everyday wear and tear. What they found was far from squeaky clean: A single sponge shed around 6.5 million microplastic fibres per gram of worn-down material. From there, the team turned to Amazon sales data from August 2023. Assuming the average sponge is worn down by about 10 per cent through regular use, they estimated that 1.55 trillion microplastic fibres could be leached into the environment every month. And that's just from one online retailer - meaning the true number of plastic particles being released by 'magic' sponges could be much higher. Once unleashed into nature, microplastics don't just pollute the planet. They find their way inside our bodies. These sneaky specks been found in human lungs, livers, kidneys, hearts, brains, placentas and testicles, even breast milk and semen. Scientists are still figuring out exactly how this affects our health, but early results aren't encouraging. In January, a major scientific review found that exposure to microplastics may pose risks to the human digestive, reproductive and respiratory systems. Research suggests that these particles can damage cells, disrupt organs and mess with the immune system. They've also been linked to an increased risk of heart attack, stroke and certain cancers. Microplastics may even harm the brain, potentially causing symptoms like fatigue and dizziness. Higher levels have been found in people with dementia. It's a huge problem for something so tiny — and a costly one too. One study found microplastics carrying 'forever chemicals' in the US food and water supply could be fuelling a $US250 billion ($382.8b) per year health crisis. To cut down on microplastics, researchers from the American Chemical Society are urging manufacturers to make denser, tougher sponges that don't break down so easily. They also suggest consumers opt for natural cleaning products without plastics and install filters to catch microplastics in their drinking water. To lower your overall exposure, experts recommend cutting back on single-use plastic bags, bottles, straws and containers. Choosing clothes made from natural fibres instead of synthetics and avoiding microwaving food or drinks in plastic can also help reduce your risk.
Auto Blog
27-07-2025
- Automotive
- Auto Blog
Walmart Is Selling a ‘Magical' $50 Windshield Cleaning Tool for $15, and Shoppers Say It's ‘Easy to Use'
By signing up I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy . You may unsubscribe from email communication at anytime. Autoblog brings you car news; expert reviews and exciting pictures and video. Research and compare vehicles, too. View post: Lamborghini's Flagship Hypercar Is Already On Its Third Recall View post: Ayrton Senna's Final Honda V10 F1 Engine Could Be the Coolest Thing in Your Living Room Autoblog aims to feature only the best products and services. If you buy something via one of our links, we may earn a commission. A clear windshield is essential for safe driving, especially during early morning commutes or long road trips. Instead of awkwardly reaching across the dashboard with paper towels or struggling with fog and frost, a good cleaning tool can make the job faster and more effective. For a limited time at Walmart, the AstroAI Windshield Cleaning Tool is on sale for just $15, a whopping 70% discount off its original price of $50. This 9-piece kit isn't just a simple wiper or basic cleaning tool. It's a full windshield and interior cleaning system designed for cars, trucks, and even household use. AstroAI Windshield Cleaning Tool, $15 (was $50) at Walmart The tool has a detachable handle that extends from 15.9 to 21 inches and features a 180-degree rotating head for better access to hard-to-reach corners. It comes with four microfiber towels, two detailing brushes, a soft towel, and a 60-milliliter spray bottle, all packed into a compact organizer bag. The soft brushes are ideal for clearing dust from vents, dashboards, and other tight spots without scratching, while the microfiber cloths work for both dry and wet cleaning. The handle uses a twist-lock system to stay secure during use and is compact enough to store in a glovebox or trunk. Shoppers said the 'lightweight design allows it to be carried around' and that it's 'easy to use anytime, anywhere.' One reviewer noted, 'Just wipe it gently and the windows will be as clean as new.' Another shared that it's 'comfortable to hold and effortless to clean [with].' Others praised the design and versatility. 'The handle feels great to hold, and it is not slippery at all when cleaning, making it more comfortable to use,' one buyer wrote. Another added, 'It is very effective for removing frost in winter. A magical tool!' Flash deals at Walmart never tend to last very long, so head over to the site now and beef up your car cleaning game with the AstroAI Windshield Cleaning Tool for just $15 while it's still 70% off. About the Author Andrew Koopman View Profile
