Their research focuses on how different types, shapes, sizes, and concentrations of plastics can impact both human health and the environment.
One area of concern is the presence of nurdles, which are small plastic pellets or microbeads that are often used in the manufacturing of plastic products. Nurdles can easily escape into the environment, where they can be ingested by marine life and enter the food chain.
The researchers at the University of Rochester are studying how nurdles and other types of plastic pollution can affect ecosystems and human health. By analyzing the interactions between plastics and environmental chemicals, they hope to shed light on the potential risks associated with plastic contamination.
Plastics are ubiquitous in our daily lives, but their impact on human health and the environment is still not fully understood. The research being conducted at the University of Rochester aims to fill this gap in knowledge and provide valuable insights into the complex relationship between plastics and human health.
As we continue to use plastic products in our daily lives, it is important to be mindful of their potential impact on our health and the environment. By supporting research efforts like those at the University of Rochester, we can work towards a better understanding of the risks associated with plastic pollution and take steps to mitigate them.
So, the next time you reach for a plastic container or utensil in your kitchen, consider the potential impact it may have on your health and the environment. It’s time to throw away the plastics and make more sustainable choices for the future.
Introducing the Lake Ontario MicroPlastics Center
With the growing awareness of the dangers posed by plastics, especially microplastics, Katrina Korfmacher and Jane van Dis are leading the way in research and education through the Lake Ontario MicroPlastics Center (LOMP). This collaboration between the University of Rochester and the Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT) aims to shed light on the impact of microplastics on human health and the environment.
Katrina Korfmacher, the co-director of LOMP and a professor of environmental medicine, brings her expertise in environmental health and community engagement to the center. Her research focuses on understanding how environmental exposures impact vulnerable populations, particularly children and pregnant women.
Jane van Dis, an assistant professor of obstetrics and gynecology at the Medical Center, is passionate about women’s health and reproductive justice. Her work at LOMP involves investigating the effects of plastics and other environmental contaminants on maternal and fetal health.
Kitchen Exposure to Plastics
One of the most common ways people are exposed to plastics is in the kitchen. Black plastic utensils, cutting boards, and containers can all pose health risks:
- Black Plastic Utensils: Many black plastic utensils are made from recycled electronic waste, which may contain harmful chemicals like flame retardants and heavy metals.
- Cutting Boards: Plastic cutting boards can shed tiny plastic fragments that can be ingested, leading to potential health issues.
- Plastic Containers: Heating plastic containers in the microwave can cause chemicals to leach into food, posing a risk to human health.
The Dangers of Black Plastics
Black plastics are commonly used in various household items, but the recycled electronic waste they are made from can contain harmful chemicals that pose health risks. These chemicals, such as flame retardants and heavy metals, have been linked to serious health concerns like cancer, endocrine disruption, neurotoxicity, and infertility.
A recent study found that 85% of tested consumer products contained flame retardants, including banned chemicals, indicating that they were made from recycled electronic waste. This highlights the importance of being aware of the potential risks associated with black plastics.
Protecting Children from Plastic Exposure
Children are particularly vulnerable to environmental chemicals due to their developing bodies and brains. Flame retardants have been detected in breast milk samples across the U.S., and children can also be exposed through contaminated food and house dust.
Plastic toys containing flame retardants can leach out when children chew on them, exposing them to harmful chemicals that can impact their brain and reproductive system development. It’s crucial to be mindful of the types of plastics children come into contact with to protect their health.
The Impact of Microplastics
Microplastics, which are tiny plastic particles less than 5 millimeters in size, are pervasive in the environment and can enter the food chain easily. These particles come from various sources, including food wrappers, plastic bottles, and synthetic clothing.
Research has found microplastics in human tissues such as blood, heart, liver, lungs, placenta, and breast milk. These particles can also be inhaled, potentially leading to health issues. The Lake Ontario MicroPlastics Center is studying not only microplastics but also nanoplastics, which are even smaller particles that can penetrate human cells.
Through their research and collaboration, Katrina Korfmacher and Jane van Dis are working to raise awareness of the dangers of plastics, especially black plastics and microplastics, and to protect human health and the environment from their harmful effects.
