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Time of India
a day ago
- Health
- Time of India
Are we breathing microplastics? Study reveals the shocking amount of plastic our homes and cars contain
Not just through food and drinking water, microplastics might be making their way into our bodies through thin air. A recent study has uncovered that the air inside our homes and cars may contain more microplastics than we ever imagined. Researchers using advanced Raman spectroscopy have discovered that we could be inhaling tens of thousands of microscopic plastic particles every single day when indoors. With growing concerns about the impact on digestion, respiratory health, fertility, and even cancer, this research raises urgent questions: How much plastic is in the air we breathe? And what does it mean for our long‑term health? The study and its findings Scientists from the Université de Toulouse recently measured indoor microplastic levels by collecting air samples from 16 apartments and car interiors. Using Raman micro-spectroscopy to analyze air samples from those residential apartments and car interiors, the scientists quantified how many plastic particles linger unseen in everyday environments. Their results were shocking: Apartments contained a median of 528 microplastic particles per cubic meter Cars contained up to 2,238 particles per cubic meter, nearly 4x more than homes Most alarmingly, over 90% of these particles were under 10 µm in diameter, small enough to penetrate deep into lung tissue, according to the study published in PLOS ONE . Based on ventilation and average breathing, particularly indoors where most people spend approximately 90% of their time, the team estimated adults inhale roughly 68,000 microplastic particles daily (1-10 µm range), plus another 3,200 particles in the larger 10-300 µm range. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like No annual fees for life UnionBank Credit Card Apply Now Undo What are microplastics (and why are they harmful)? Microplastics are fragments of any type of plastic less than 5 mm (0.20 in) in length, according to the U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and the European Chemicals Agency. US EPA researchers define microplastics, or MPs, as plastic particles ranging in size from 5 millimeters (mm), which is about the size of a pencil eraser, to 1 nanometer (nm). For comparison, a strand of human hair is about 80,000 nanometers wide. The study found that over 90% of indoor airborne microplastics were under 10 micrometers, fine enough to penetrate deep into the lungs and potentially enter the bloodstream. Once inside, they can trigger: Inflammation Oxidative stress Cellular damage Disruption to the immune system Furthermore, microplastics often contain toxic additives like phthalates, bisphenol A (BPA), and heavy metals, which can leach into tissues and mimic hormones, contributing to fertility issues, metabolic disorders, and cancers. What happens if we breathe microplastics? Once we breathe microplastics through the air, particles under 10 µm bypass the body's natural defense mechanisms and lodge deep in the lungs after inhalation, where they may cause inflammation, oxidative stress, and immune system disturbance. Studies show these plastic fragments can contain toxic additives like BPA or phthalates that may leach into tissues, worsening the health risks. Moreover, some studies have also detected microplastics in human brains and placentas, suggesting particles can travel through inhalation and accumulate in organs. Where do these indoor microplastics come from? Microplastics in indoor air come from a surprising variety of everyday sources, especially materials commonly found in homes and vehicles: Synthetic textiles and carpets (polyester, nylon, acrylic) Plastic packaging and containers Household dust Furniture and upholstery Dashboard and car interiors (PVC, ABS plastics) E ven simple activities like walking on carpets, folding laundry, or driving a car can release particles into the air. Over time, friction, heat, and degradation cause these materials to shed microscopic fibers and fragments, which linger in stagnant indoor environments. Why are cars even worse than homes? The study's finding that car interiors had the highest concentrations of airborne microplastics may be linked to confined space, heat, and heavy use of synthetic materials in upholstery and dashboards. Without proper ventilation, microplastics in cars can accumulate quickly. Since many people commute daily, extended exposure in enclosed vehicles may increase respiratory risks, especially for children and people with asthma or other lung conditions. The damaging effects of microplastics: Microplastics and nanoplastics can cause significant damage to living organisms, including humans, by triggering inflammation, oxidative stress, disrupting cellular processes, and potentially impacting various organs due to their ability to penetrate tissues and accumulate within the body, particularly when ingested or inhaled; this can lead to potential health issues like respiratory problems, digestive disorders, and reproductive complications depending on the exposure level and particle size. Key points: Cellular damage: These tiny plastic particles can directly damage cells by causing physical disruption, disrupting cell membranes, and inducing cell death (apoptosis). Oxidative stress: Microplastics and nanoplastics can trigger oxidative stress within the body by generating harmful free radicals, leading to cellular damage and potential disease development. Inflammation: The presence of these particles can trigger an inflammatory response in the body, potentially contributing to chronic inflammatory diseases. Tissue accumulation: Due to their small size, nanoplastics can readily penetrate tissue barriers and accumulate in various organs, including the liver, lungs, and reproductive organs. Disruption of organ function: Depending on the organ affected, accumulation of microplastics and nanoplastics can disrupt normal physiological processes, leading to potential organ dysfunction. How to limit the usage of microplastics? To limit microplastic consumption, you have to reduce your use of single-use plastics, avoid heating food in plastic, and filter your tap water. Reduce single-use plastics: Use reusable bags, bottles, and containers. Choose cloth shopping bags, bamboo cutlery, and metal water bottles. Avoid plastic straws, bottles, and cutlery Avoid heating food in plastic: Microwave food in glass or ceramic dishes instead of plastic. Avoid frozen pre-packaged meals that are heated in the microwave Filter your tap water: Boil your tap water to remove microplastics. Use a home filtration system, such as reverse osmosis, distillation, or ultrafiltration. Other ways to reduce microplastic consumption Buy organic clothes, Avoid plastic-containing cosmetics, Reduce consumption of processed foods, Don't store food in plastic, and Avoid canned food with plastic liners. While completely avoiding microplastics indoors is difficult, there are steps we can take to reduce inhalation risks: Improve indoor ventilation by using air purifiers with HEPA filters Vacuum frequently with HEPA-equipped vacuums to trap plastic-laden dust Limit synthetic fabrics in furnishings and clothing Choose natural fibers like cotton, wool, or hemp Avoid heating plastics in microwaves or near heat sources Keep your car ventilated and clean the upholstery regularly Minimize use of plastics near heat or friction zones (e.g., dashboards, upholstered chairs) Additionally, simple habits like opening windows, dusting with damp cloths, and using exhaust fans can minimize build-up. Love your mobile phone? Here's the other side of the story
Auto Express
2 days ago
- Automotive
- Auto Express
Car parks must prove they cancel fines, says RAC
Ever wondered whether car parks actually repeal any of the thousands of fines they issue? After claims that this is definitely the case, car park operators have been called upon to publish data to prove they are treating drivers fairly. The RAC says operators must provide 'full and transparent' information regarding how many fines are issued and what proportion of them are cancelled following complaints. At the time of writing, neither of the big car parking industry trade bodies – the British Parking Association (BPA) and the International Parking Community (IPC) – actively publish data on complaints. Furthermore, two of the main appeal bodies that were set up and paid for by the industry to process complaints are infamous for taking time to provide their insights. The BPA's Parking on Private Land Appeals (POPLA) service is still to publish its findings from 2024, for example. Advertisement - Article continues below In 2023, POPLA says 43 per cent of appeals were upheld, but look closer and it's a little more nuanced than that. Of those that appealed, 17 per cent went to adjudication and 25 per cent were simply cancelled by the operator with no contest. However, four in five (78 per cent) of cases reaching the adjudication stage were dismissed. Skip advert Advertisement - Article continues below With RAC research showing that private car parking firms are submitting almost 40,000 DVLA vehicle keeper requests per day – almost all of these likely resulting in a fine being sent out – head of policy Simon Williams said, 'Stories of drivers being treated poorly are all too common'. Williams called on the industry to publish complaints data in full, saying: 'We believe the industry should have to publish the volume of complaints made to operators, including the reasons tickets were issued and the nature of the complaints, and whether or not they were cancelled.' This comes soon after the Government said it plans to consult on a new state-backed Private Parking Code of Practice; there were plans to introduce one years ago, but its implementation was prevented by a legal challenge from car parking firms. The industry has since introduced its own code but, as you might expect, this leans heavily in the favour of operators. While the Government says that its plans will 'tackle misleading tactics and confusing processes, bringing vital oversight and transparency to raise standards across the board', there are concerns that it doesn't go far enough – particularly in the case of limiting maximum fines. The AA has since accused Labour of 'bending the knee to the private parking industry,' while the BPA told Auto Express, 'Without proper enforcement, parking quickly becomes a free-for-all, with some people taking advantage at the expense of others.' Did you know you can buy a used car with Auto Express? Choose from tens of thousands of cars with trusted dealers around the UK. Click here to buy used with Auto Express now... Find a car with the experts Hyundai reduces prices across its entire EV range Hyundai reduces prices across its entire EV range Korean brand acts swiftly to cut prices on all its electric cars, amid confusion over Government's grant scheme New Citroen C5 Aircross SUV undercuts the Volkswagen Tiguan by a huge £7k New Citroen C5 Aircross SUV undercuts the Volkswagen Tiguan by a huge £7k Citroen's revamped flagship C5 Aircross SUV is available to order now with hybrid or electric power Car Deal of the Day: Polestar 4 is a head-turning EV for a super cool price Car Deal of the Day: Polestar 4 is a head-turning EV for a super cool price The 'car with no rear window' is looking seriously cheap on lease right now. It's our Deal of the Day for July 28
The Diplomat
22-07-2025
- Politics
- The Diplomat
When Will PNG's Parliament Finally Decide Bougainville's Status?
PNG can only kick the can down the road so far. In late June, a Papua New Guinean newspaper reported the signing of a new agreement that represents 'A step closer to the Fate of Bougainville Independence.' The headline perfectly expressed what this new development signifies and what it doesn't: Bougainville is indeed one step closer to its fate, but no one knows with any certainty what that fate will be. Meanwhile, Bougainville's independence push is playing out against the backdrop of the same geopolitical competition that is gripping the rest of the Pacific, and this latest agreement was signed on the eve of Bougainville's presidential election in September. What Is the Context? Bougainville is an autonomous region of Papua New Guinea (PNG), lying to the east of the nation's mainland, and is comprised of one main island and several smaller outlying islands and atolls. It has a population of some 300,000 people, much smaller than Papua New Guinea's total population of 11 to 17 million. In 2019, Bougainville's independence referendum was a landslide in favor of new nationhood: 97 percent voted yes, with more than 85 percent turnout. The referendum was mandated by the 2001 Bougainville Peace Agreement (BPA), which ended a decade of civil war between PNG and Bougainville. The referendum result was no surprise. Bougainville's independence aspirations predate PNG's own independence from Australia, and over the intervening decades, Bougainvilleans have become tired of waiting. However, according to the BPA, the result of the vote must be ratified by PNG's national parliament to take effect. In 2020, former Bougainville Revolutionary Army commander Ishmael Toroama won the Bougainville presidency on the platform of delivering the region its independence. Since then, PNG and Bougainville have been involved in a series of negotiations over the referendum's outcome; the talks have often ground to a halt and have rarely produced consensus. Toroama and PNG Prime Minister James Marape concluded the latest round of negotiations at the end of June with the Melanesian Agreement. Among other things, it guarantees that PNG will bring the results of the referendum before the national parliament for a vote. The two leaders also reaffirmed their commitment to the peace process and to a continuing close relationship between PNG and Bougainville. However, the deal doesn't offer as much as it was expected to deliver or as much as it needed to deliver. PNG and Bougainville agreed last November that they wanted to reach a consensus on Bougainville's future political status before Bougainville's presidential election, and the Melanesian Agreement fell far short of that. What Happens Next? Until now, a parliamentary vote seemed like a possibility, but it was not something that Papua New Guinea had bound itself to. With this new agreement, the PNG government has formally pledged to bring the referendum result before the national parliament, yet no timeline has been announced. Other matters remain unresolved too, including whether the parliamentary vote needs a simple majority or a two-thirds majority. This has been a major point of contention between PNG and Bougainville in years past. A two-thirds threshold would make a vote in Bougainville's favor far more difficult to achieve. Meanwhile, efforts to explore compromises on Bougainville's future political status, like free association, have gone nowhere: neither side is willing to entertain them. In many ways, PNG and Bougainville remain as deadlocked as they were in 2019. The question that looms over all the others is whether PNG's parliament will ratify the referendum result and grant Bougainville its independence or not. If it does not, it raises the likelihood that Bougainville might declare independence unilaterally. The preference is 'to get independence through consensus,' said Ezekiel Massatt, Bougainville's minister for the implementation of the independence referendum, in an interview in early July. However, if PNG delays the process, Massatt said, Bougainville has 'other options' available. Bougainville's leaders, including Toroama, have been signaling for years that if PNG does not grant Bougainville its independence, the autonomous region will simply declare independence for a third time. The government has been drafting a new national constitution, which Toroama referred to last year as 'a platform that we will be using to declare Bougainville independence.' Bougainville's previous independence declarations occurred in 1975, before Papua New Guinea's own independence from Australia, and in 1990, during the civil war. Both declarations were disregarded by the international community, but that doesn't mean Bougainville won't make another attempt, especially if its avenue through the national parliament is closed for good. Toroama has set 2027 as the final deadline for Bougainville to gain independence, indicating a willingness to ignore PNG's authority if necessary. Is Bougainville Ready? Bougainville still relies on the Papua New Guinea government for the vast majority of its budget, but Massatt dismissed claims that Bougainville should meet a particular economic threshold before independence. While he believes that work on the economy must take some precedence, he does not see it as a precondition. 'We must obtain political independence in order to have some sovereign powers in order to make strategic economic decisions,' he said. 'Australia never demanded that Papua New Guinea be economically independent' before PNG's political independence in 1975, Massatt added. Wealth from the Panguna copper mine in central Bougainville bankrolled the PNG government in the early years of its independence, once making up 45 percent of national exports. Conflict over Panguna – not only the wealth that was taken from Bougainville, but also the environmental damage from the mine – would later spark the conflict that spiraled into civil war. Panguna is currently shuttered and would likely take years to reopen. Nevertheless, Toroama said in June that it is 'the key to our economic growth.' The mine is estimated to be worth more than $80 billion. Bougainville also has a large exclusive economic zone, making fisheries a potentially promising sector, although South Pacific tuna is under threat from climate change. Not everyone thinks Bougainville is prepared for independence. A senior Bougainville government official, speaking anonymously to the Guardian last month, said that independence was 'inevitable' but that Bougainville is 'nowhere near' ready. 'We want a sovereign nation that is healthy, that is viable,' said the official. The China Card As Bougainville attempts to ready itself for nationhood, the other question is foreign aid and investment. Last year, Toroama tried to garner support from the United States – unsuccessfully – and stated that he was willing to play 'the Chinese card' if other countries didn't give Bougainville the assistance it needed. China's interests in Bougainville are threefold: economic, diplomatic, and strategic. Bougainville's mineral wealth is well-established. If it becomes an independent nation, it will have another resource valuable to China: the ability to recognize Beijing over Taipei. And finally, China has a clear strategic interest in the region, including in Bougainville's neighbor, Solomon Islands. This year, a Chinese state-owned company began extending a runway not far from Panguna, while the United States has withdrawn much of its own regional engagement. Australia remains the Pacific's largest donor, and New Zealand remains an important partner, but it wouldn't be surprising if Bougainville's leaders find themselves increasingly courted by Beijing. China is unlikely to recognize Bougainville as an independent nation prematurely, but doing so also isn't necessary to pursuing its interests. All that Beijing needs to do is foster ties with Bougainville's potential future leaders. Presidential candidate Sam Kauona ran on a pro-China platform in 2020, and later insinuated that he had received campaign money from Chinese backers. Last year, he praised former Solomon Islands Prime Minister Manasseh Sovagare, who signed a controversial security pact with Beijing in 2022; Kauona indicated that he would be open to a similar agreement for Bougainville if elected president. Kauona finished at an unimpressive sixth place in 2020, earning only about a third of the votes Toroama did. Thomas Raivet – a relative newcomer backed by former Bougainville president John Momis, who was well known for his openness to China – came in third place, still with just under half the votes Toroama did. Kauona, Raivet, and Toroama are once again running in the 2025 election, but so are many other candidates, and the result is anyone's guess. It remains to be seen whether incumbency will help Toroama win re-election, or hurt him. The election will occur the first week of September. Regardless of who wins, Bougainville's next president will face pressure from the electorate to deliver on the same 2027 deadline that Toroama has been promising. Whether Papua New Guinea's parliament will let that happen is another matter – as is China's potential approach to Bougainville's next leader.
NBC News
17-07-2025
- Health
- NBC News
The best plastic-free food storage containers for meal prep and more
I used plastic food containers for most of my life — they're affordable and accessible at most of the grocery stores I frequent. But, in recent years I've learned more about the potential dangers plastic food containers and microplastics pose to my health and the environment. Leaching, which is the process of microplastic getting into food, is one of many reasons I recently turned to non-plastic food containers and cooking utensils. Harmful chemicals from some plastic food storage containers, like bisphenol A (BPA), per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) and phthalates, can get into our food, especially when heated, according to Tracey Woodruff, an associate professor of reproductive sciences at the University of California San Francisco. 'There are a lot of different chemicals that are used in the making of plastic or that are in plastic-related materials and these chemicals can leach from the plastic into people's food,' says Woodruff. These chemicals can lead to an increased risk of infertility, reproductive health, cardiovascular disease and more, according to Woodruff. Additionally, researchers have found microplastics in several parts of the human body, including blood and the brain, according to Woodruff. With this in mind, I spoke with experts about how to find a good plastic alternative and what you should look for. How I picked the best plastic-free food container The main factor in deciding the best alternatives to plastic food containers is finding a material that doesn't leach and is safe to put in the microwave and dishwasher. Here's everything our experts recommend I keep in mind when making this list: Alternative materials: The best and most common non-toxic alternative to traditional plastic is glass, according to Woodruff. Unlike plastic, glass food containers aren't susceptible to leaching microplastics, making them safer to heat up, eat out of and prepare food in. Most of the food containers on this list are made of borosilicate glass, which is highly resistant to heat, thermal shock and cracking (though not shatterproof). Additionally, I also curated options that have ceramic coatings, which makes them stain resistant and nonstick, as well as containers made from stainless steel. While every container on this list is made from either glass or stainless steel, some of the included lids are made of BPA-free plastic and/or come with a silicone lining to prevent leaking, so some of the sets aren't entirely plastic free. BPA and PFAS free: BPA and PFAS (sometimes called 'forever chemicals') are molecular chemical additives found in microplastics that some manufacturers use to give plastic durability, heat, oil and stain resistance, according to Paul Anastas, a professor of chemistry and director of the Center for Green Chemistry at Yale University's School of the Environment. As I mentioned above, chemicals found in microplastics are linked to an increased risk of adverse reproductive health issues in both men and women, lung and colon cancer, metabolic abnormalities, birth defects and more, according to Woodruff. With this in mind, I only included plastic food container alternatives that explicitly mention being BPA and PFAS free and/or 100% plastic free. Use case: In making this list, I tried to find non-plastic food container options that you can use for a variety of purposes, including microwaving, baking, freezing and putting in the dishwasher. While not every option on this list is compatible for all four methods, most of them are dishwasher safe and microwave safe. I noted which purposes each one is best suited for. Want more from NBC Select? Sign up for our newsletter, The Selection, and shop smarter. The best alternatives to plastic food containers All of the products below are either direct recommendations from NBC Select editors and/or have at least a 4-star average rating from 500 reviews or more on Amazon. 100% plastic-free food containers All of the food containers below are entirely plastic free, including the lids. I tested and reviewed Anyday's microwavable cookware bowls, which are available in multiple sizes and are similar to this set of frosted borosilicate glass containers designed specifically for food storage, instead of cooking (though they're also oven- and microwave-safe, too.) You'll get two 2-cup rounded dishes and two 2.5-cup square dishes. The dishes, including the lids, are entirely plastic free, according to the brand, and you can also microwave and bake with the lids, which have vents on top that act as a handle. This set from Urban Green has a 4.1-star average rating from 2,031 reviews on Amazon and comes with five containers: a 0.5-cup, 1.5-cup, 2.6-cup, 3.8-cup and 6.25-cup. They're entirely plastic free, according to the brand — the containers are made of heat-safe borosilicate glass and the lids are bamboo. They're safe to use in the microwave and oven (without the lids) and they're dishwasher and freezer safe, too, according to the brand. These wraps are made of beeswax, organic cotton, plant oil and tree resin, according to the brand, making them entirely plastic and silicone free. These wraps have a 4.5-star average rating from 10,862 reviews on Amazon and they work in the same way you'd use plastic wrap or aluminum foil, except they're reusable. The set includes a small, medium and large wrap, which are best for using with solid foods, like sandwiches, loaves of bread and produce. You can also use the wrap as a lid for a bowl with salad. That said, the wraps aren't suitable for heating and you can only wash them with cold water, according to the brand. Mostly plastic-free food containers All of the food containers below are plastic free, however some of the lids or accessories have BPA-free plastic. This popular set from Caraway comes recommended by NBC Select reporter Zoe Malin, who loves how well they seal. 'I've used these containers for over a year almost every day,' she says. 'They're super sturdy and don't stain, even when I use them to store pasta with red sauce or curry made with turmeric.' It's made of glass and coated in ceramic, similar to the brand's cookware. The 9-piece set, includes one large 10-cup square container, ideal for prepping multiple servings of food, two medium, rectangle 6.6-cup containers for individual meals, two small 4.4-cup containers for salads or sides, two small rectangular inserts with a 9-ounce capacity for snacks and two small square inserts with a 4-ounce capacity, compatible for dips and dressings. The set also comes with storage racks you attach to the inside of your cabinet and straps that hold the lid and container together. NBC Select editor Mili Godio got this set of glass food containers as a wedding gift and says she can't 'ever go back' to her usual plastic Tupperware. 'They're super durable and stack really nicely on top of each other,' she says. The set comes with 10 containers of different sizes, so there's one to fit practically anything you need. The lids seal well and protect from spills, too, according to Godio. This set of glass food containers comes recommended by NBC Select reporter Harry Rabinwotiz, who likes the many shapes and sizes included in the set and that the lids seal securely. Plus, the containers themselves are durable and can handle high heat and travel without cracking. 'I don't worry about throwing them in my backpack, in the sink with other pots and dishes, or in the oven and microwave,' says Rabinowitz. The set includes one large 6.3-cup container, two 3.5-cup containers and one 1.6-cup container in both round and square shapes. I've had this glass set for about two months and I love everything about them. While the lids have plastic on them that isn't oven safe, the containers themselves are extremely durable — I've baked multiple foods in them (rice, poultry and pasta) all at once in the oven around 400 degrees and they don't have a single crack. Plus, I baked them with the silicone cover on the bottom (to protect them from damage) and it didn't melt at all. The lids snap closed and don't spill, especially when I've used them for foods with sauce. I've also put both the container and lid in the dishwasher and they've fared well and don't have any damage, even when I use hot water. Since the lids have plastic, I make sure not to microwave or bake with them on. These food containers are made of stainless steel and have food-grade silicone lids. The set has a 4.7-star average rating from 39 reviews at Klean Kanteen and includes a 1.25-cup, 2.8-cup and 6.8-cup container. The smaller containers fit on the inside of the largest container, so you can keep food separated, similar to a bento box, or simply use the largest one as is. Unlike many stainless steel food containers, this set is microwave- and oven-safe since its texture prevents sparking or arcing, according to Klean Kanteen. Aside from the removable divider, the containers are entirely plastic free, according to the brand. This small insulated container is ideal for warm foods since its stainless steel body helps maintain heat. With that said, it isn't microwave safe. It has a 4.2-star average rating from 2,334 reviews on Amazon and its lid has a top handle, which twists to lock and prevent spills. While it's best for warm food, you can still use it to store things like salad and vegetables. How to shop for plastic food container alternatives Many plastic food container sets have chemical additives (many of which companies aren't required to disclose) with adverse health effects. This includes BPA, phthalates and PFAS — and those are only the handful of ones researchers know about, according to Woodruff. The easiest way to avoid leaching consequences is to simply avoid plastic food containers altogether. Here's how to find the best plastic-free container: Choose a material Glass is arguably the best material to look for as an eco-friendly alternative to plastic food containers, according to experts. To a lesser extent, stainless steel containers can also be a reliable option. Glass allows for versatility since it's usually oven-, microwave- and dishwasher-safe, and isn't susceptible to leaching like plastic. Stainless steel doesn't always have these features, though it isn't susceptible to breaking or cracking and it often allows food to stay warm for longer. Also, many glass food storage containers have plastic lids, even if they're free of BPA, PFAS and other chemicals. Use case If you plan on only using storage containers to prepare food — whether it be on the stove or in the oven — and then transfer food to them, then they don't need to be oven- or microwave-safe. If you don't want to have to dirty more dishes or transfer the food to a plate for reheating, then you should make sure that whatever you buy is microwave or oven safe. If you're someone who likes to meal prep and then freeze food, be sure to purchase something that's freezer compatible. Recycle In addition to buying new containers, Woodruff also recommends reusing store-bought glass containers, like those for condiments or sauces, to store food (not necessarily heat it), similar to how you would a mason jar. Doing this can help you save money and it reduces your single-use plastic consumption. Meet our experts At NBC Select, we work with experts who have specialized knowledge and authority based on relevant training and/or experience. We also take steps to ensure all expert advice and recommendations are made independently and without undisclosed financial conflicts of interest. Why trust NBC Select? I'm a commerce editor at NBC Select, where I frequently write about home and kitchen topics. I also have a decade of experience writing about food. I spoke with two experts in chemistry and reproductive sciences for this story and included NBC Select-staff favorites for plastic-free food storage options.
Newsroom
13-07-2025
- Health
- Newsroom
Should the building industry keep using this controversial material?
Comment: If you're building or renovating and want to use sustainable materials, how do you know which ones to choose? What do you need to consider when evaluating a product's sustainability? And how do you know something is truly a better option for the environment and your health? Unfortunately, it's no easy task. Even products that may seem relatively benign – at least at first glance – can come with a range of problems. Polycarbonate is one striking example of a problem material. While it's commonly used in construction, especially for transparent roofing, the downsides of polycarbonate are seldom discussed. When polycarbonate was developed in 1957, it was celebrated as 'strong enough to replace steel and clear enough to replace glass'. The plastic has since been widely used for eyeglasses, shatterproof windows, and for transparent coverings on buildings – think pergolas and light-weight roofs on outdoor structures. What you might not know is that polycarbonate is a polymer of bisphenol A (BPA), a chemical that's sparked controversy over its use in food packaging. Last year, the European Commission adopted a ban on BPA in food contact materials. Growing awareness of the potential health effects of BPA has also led to a rise in consumer products being labelled 'BPA-free'. The problem with BPA Since the 1930s, there have been concerns about BPA's safety. However, it's only in the past 25 years that these concerns have been discussed more widely. BPA is known to be corrosive, an irritant, and a human health and environmental hazard. The European Environment Agency notes BPA is associated with a range of concerns including toxicity to reproduction, skin sensitisation, and endocrine disruption. It also notes BPA may cause serious eye damage, allergic skin reactions, and respiratory irritation. The chemical is also toxic to aquatic life with long-lasting effects. The adverse effects of BPA are due to its similarity to the building blocks of reproduction. In fact, in the 1930s BPA was explored as a possible drug due to its oestrogenic properties. This history is not always well understood when specifying BPA polymers in building materials. To date, much of the research on BPA's effects has focused on materials that come into contact with food and drink, such as water cooler bottles, eating utensils, and baby bottles. This research has shown BPA's potential to leach from polycarbonate. It's hard to find conclusive research on how much BPA leaches from polycarbonate when it's used as a roofing material. But it stands to reason that normal exposure to rain and sun would contribute to degradation of polycarbonate and hence leaching of BPA. This more-than-likely scenario begs the questions: Should rainwater from polycarbonate roofs, which would inadvertently collect at least some BPA, be harvested for human consumption? Should rainwater from polycarbonate roofs be released into existing natural water systems, given BPA is known to be toxic to aquatic ecosystems? How much harm can occur from the manufacture of BPA, through occupational and accidental exposures of workers to BPA, and its release into the environment? Alternatives to polycarbonate Despite growing recognition that BPA is problematic, polycarbonate production has increased. In recent years, global supply has exceeded four million tonnes per year. With the decrease in use of BPA in food-related applications, construction applications make up an increasingly significant share of this supply. The construction industry and associated professions, such as architecture, need to be part of finding alternatives. In the short term, acrylic sheeting may be one option for roofing. It has very similar properties to polycarbonate – in terms of strength and transparency (or colour) – and some might remember well-known brands of acrylic, Perspex and Plexiglass were commonly used before polycarbonate flooded the market. As with all plastics, acrylic has some problem substances in its manufacture but, overall, it is a significantly less harmful plastic than polycarbonate. Not good – just a less bad alternative until better options are developed. Polyvinylchloride (PVC) could also be an alternative to polycarbonate. However, there is a substantial body of evidence about the its downsides, both from a health and environmental perspective. The 'red list' of the International Living Future Institute's Living Building Challenge cites both PVC and BPA as materials to be avoided. Research is showing many other commonly used materials present problems. Polycarbonate is just one example discussed in a 2024 book that I co-edited, which brings together existing research on the sustainability and toxicity of building materials. It's clear we need more pathways to disseminate knowledge about these materials and which ones are more or less problematic. This information needs to be easily available to those specifying materials used in our homes – as well as to homeowners making decisions about the products they want to use.
