Alternative Plastics Cause Reproductive Problems In Mice!

"Twenty years ago, researchers made the accidental discovery that the now infamous plastics ingredient known as bisphenol A or BPA had inadvertently leached out of plastic cages used to house female mice in the lab, causing a sudden increase in chromosomally abnormal eggs in the animals. Now, the same team is back to report in the journal Current Biology on September 13 that the array of alternative bisphenols now used to replace BPA in BPA-free bottles, cups, cages, and other items appear to come with similar problems for their mice." Read more...

BPA replacements in plastics cause reproductive problems in lab mice. September 13, 2018, Cell Press

Degradation of Plastic Causes Greenhouse Gases!

"A new study, published today in PLOS ONE, reports the unexpected discovery of the universal production of greenhouse gases methane and ethylene by the most common plastics when exposed to sunlight. The science team tested polycarbonate, acrylic, polypropylene, polyethylene terephthalate, polystyrene, high-density polyethylene and low-density polyethylene (LDPE) -- materials used to make food storage, textiles, construction materials, and various plastic goods. Polyethylene, used in shopping bags, is the most produced and discarded synthetic polymer globally and was found to be the most prolific emitter of both gases." 


Sarah-Jeanne Royer, Sara Ferrón, Samuel T. Wilson, David M. Karl. Production of methane and ethylene from plastic in the environment. PLOS ONE, 2018; 13 (8): e0200574 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0200574

Low-dose Bisphenol A (BPA) Exposure Effects Can Last for Three Generations!

Bisphenol A is used in plastics and resins.

When scientists exposed pregnant mice to levels of bisphenol A equivalent to those considered safe in humans, three generations of female mouse offspring experienced significant reproductive problems, including declines in fertility, sexual maturity and pregnancy success.

Low-dose BPA exposure affects fertility in next three generations of mice ScienceDaily (15 April 2015) by University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2015/04/150415125817.htm