#Environmental pollution

[byler-alarmist]

Do people know most paper receipts are harmful to their health?

I'm going to get up on my soapbox for a minute, but do people realize how pretty much everyone is being overloaded with endocrine disruptors like BPA/BPS on a near-daily basis??

I don't think many people understand that ever since most of the world transitioned to thermal paper receipts (cheaper than ink), almost every receipt you handle from the gas station to the grocery store to the Square terminal printer at the local co-op is coated with Bisphenol-A (BPA) or its chemical cousin Bisphenol-S (BPS).

These chemicals have not only been proven to cause reproductive harm to human and animals, they've also been linked to obesity and attention disorders.

Not sure if your receipt is a thermal receipt? If you scratch it with a coin and it turns dark, it's thermal.

BPA/BPS can enter the skin to a depth such that it is no longer removable by washing hands. When taking hold of a receipt consisting of thermal printing paper for five seconds, roughly 1 μg BPA is transferred to the forefinger and the middle finger. If the skin is dry or greasy, it is about ten times more. 

Think of how many receipts you handle every day. It's even worse for cashiers and tellers, who may handle hundreds in a single shift. It is also a class issue, since many people who work retail and food service are lower-income and will suffer worse health consequences over time from the near-constant exposure.

Not only that, receipts printed with thermal ink are NOT recyclable, as they pollute the rest of the paper products with the chemicals.

People don't know this and recycle them anyway, so when you buy that "green" toilet paper that says "100% recycled"? Yup, you are probably wiping your most sensitive areas with those same chemicals (for this reason, I buy bamboo or sugarcane toilet paper as a sustainable alternative to recycled paper).

This page from the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency has some good links if you want to learn more.

As consumers, we need to demand better from our businesses and from our governments. We need regulation of these chemicals yesterday.

If you are a buyer or decision-maker for a business, the link above also contains a shortlist of receipt paper manufacturers that are phenol-free.

If you work at a register, ask customers if they want a receipt. If they don't and you can end the transaction without printing one, don't print one!

As a consumer, fold receipts with the ink on the inside, since that's where the coating is. Some more good tips here.

And whatever you do, DO NOT RECYCLE THERMAL RECEIPTS

[olowan-waphiya]

of fucking course.....they fucking coated paper straws with pfas......its a fucking nightmare

--

Long-lasting 'forever chemicals', which can cause damaging health issues, found in 18/20 brands of paper straws

In the first analysis of its kind in Europe, and only the second in the world, Belgian researchers tested 39 brands of straws for the group of synthetic chemicals known as poly- and perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS).

PFAS were found in the majority of the straws tested and were most common in those made from paper and bamboo, the study, published in the peer-reviewed journal Food Additives and Contaminants, found.

PFAS are used to make everyday products, from outdoor clothing to non-stick pans, resistant to water, heat and stains. They are, however, potentially harmful to people, wildlife and the environment.

They break down very slowly over time and can persist over thousands of years in the environment, a property that has led to them being known as "forever chemicals."

They have been associated with a number of health problems, including lower response to vaccines, lower birth weight, thyroid disease, increased cholesterol levels, liver damage, kidney cancer and testicular cancer.

"Straws made from plant-based materials, such as paper and bamboo, are often advertised as being more sustainable and eco-friendly than those made from plastic," says researcher Dr Thimo Groffen, an environmental scientist at the University of Antwerp, who is involved in this study.

"However, the presence of PFAS in these straws means that's not necessarily true."

A growing number of countries, including the UK and Belgium, have banned sale of single-use plastic products, including drinking straws, and plant-based versions have become popular alternatives.

A recent study found PFAS in plant-based drinking straws in the US. Dr Groffen and colleagues wanted to find out if the same was true of those on sale in Belgium.

To explore this further, the research team purchased 39 different brands of drinking straw made from five materials -- paper, bamboo, glass, stainless steel and plastic.

The straws, which were mainly obtained from shops, supermarkets and fast-food restaurants, then underwent two rounds of testing for PFAS.

The majority of the brands (27/39, 69%) contained PFAS, with 18 different PFAS detected in total.

The paper straws were most likely to contain PFAS, with the chemicals detected in 18/20 (90%) of the brands tested. PFAS were also detected in 4/5 (80%) brands of bamboo straw, 3/4 (75%) of the plastic straw brands and 2/5 (40%) brands of glass straw. They were not detected in any of the five types of steel straw tested.

The most commonly found PFAS, perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), has been banned globally since 2020.

Also detected were trifluoroacetic acid (TFA) and trifluoromethanesulfonic acid (TFMS), "ultra-short chain" PFAS which are highly water soluble and so might leach out of straws into drinks.

The PFAS concentrations were low and, bearing in mind that most people tend to only use straws occasionally, pose a limited risk to human health. However, PFAS can remain in the body for many years and concentrations can build up over time.

"Small amounts of PFAS, while not harmful in themselves, can add to the chemical load already present in the body," says Dr Groffen.

It isn't known whether the PFAS were added to the straws by the manufacturers for waterproofing or whether were the result of contamination. Potential sources of contamination include the soil the plant-based materials were grown in and the water used in the manufacturing process.

However, the presence of the chemicals in almost every brand of paper straw means it is likely that it was, in some cases, being used as a water-repellent coating, say the researchers.

The study's other limitations include not looking at whether the PFAS would leach out of the straws into liquids.

Dr Groffen concludes: "The presence of PFAS in paper and bamboo straws shows they are not necessarily biodegradable.

"We did not detect any PFAS in stainless steel straws, so I would advise consumers to use this type of straw -- or just avoid using straws at all."

[hussyknee]

They could have run with the current Totally Asking For It theme wrt the Titanic and named it "Tit".

[grits-galraisedinthesouth]

IMDb movie White Noise:

Setting: Ohio USA 1984

[falseandrealultravival]

Citizen travel should be permitted.

Recently, Asian women, who were impressed by Korean movies, flocked to a Swiss lakeside village as a ``sacred place,'' and said that environmental pollution is serious. Tourists 1000 times more than villagers rush in and leave a large amount of garbage.

An idiot has no right to travel. Travel should only be allowed to those authorized by the authorities. In old Japan, only those who could carry the country on their backs were allowed to travel and study abroad. that's fine.

Babylman

一般市民の旅行は、許可制で行われるべし。

最近、韓国の映画に感銘を受けたアジア系の、おもに女性が、「聖地」として、スイスの湖畔の村に押しかけ、環境汚染が深刻だという。村人の１０００倍の旅行者が押しかけ、ゴミを大量に置いていく。

バカに旅行する権利はない。旅行は、当局に認められた者だけに許されるべきだ。昔の日本では、国家を背負って立てる人材しか、海外旅行・留学は出来なかった。それで良い。

[lost-carcosa]

[kneecap-homicide]

Sewage is being illegally released directly onto the coastal beaches of Belfast Lough, NI. These beaches are completely accessible to the public. They're filled with wetwipes, period pads, tampons, and they're covered with the sludge of fecal matter and toilet paper, coastal birds scavenging the sewage for undigested food.

Shellfish Water Protected Areas are nearby, and those shellfish are exported to other countries as food; ironically, being filter feeders, they might be the only thing protecting the Lough from becoming totally polluted.

If you live in or near Belfast, maybe think twice about which beaches you go to.

[nathanstillphoto]

Follow The Forgotten Wilderness on Facebook

The Forgotten Wilderness is now on Facebook.

Thank you to everyone who has engaged with my posts regarding the Forgotten Wilderness project so far. It is gratifying to see the project (and the woodland land depicted) start to gain some awareness online.

Please go and follow The Forgotten Wilderness which is now on Facebook, you'll receive regular updates and behind-the-scene snippets from the project as it continues to develop.

See you on there!

Much love, Nathan.

[medicomunicare]

Microbiota early exposure in life reveals where obesity POPs from: the pivotal case for TCDF

Persistent organic pollutants (POPs), such as 3,7,8-Tetrachlorodibenzofuran (TCDF), are widely prevalent and bioaccumulate in the environment, posing serious health risks. Exposure to POPs can lead to reproductive disorders, cancer, immune suppression, neurological issues, and metabolic diseases like obesity and diabetes. People are exposed to these pollutants mainly through high-fat foods like…

[autercraft]

Corporate Responsibility

Image 1: Photo by nader saremi on Unsplash

Image 2: Photo by Albert Stoynov on Unsplash

[byler-alarmist]

Seeing as how my post is getting low engagement, I'm curious:

Bonus: reblog with your answer and if you like, your home country.

[pebblegalaxy]

Microplastics in Human Brains: Unveiling the Alarming Impact on Neurological Health and the Urgent Need for Action

Microplastics in Human Brains: A Growing Concern for Neurological Health Introduction In recent years, plastic pollution’s environmental impact has drawn considerable attention. However, a new dimension of this issue has emerged: the infiltration of microplastics into the human body, particularly the brain. Microplastics, defined as plastic particles less than 5 millimeters in size, have been…

[adr1aticc]

The poisoned sea — what will the explosion of the Zaporizhia nuclear power plant lead to?

Kiev, apparently, went all in: after the terrorist attack on the Kursk border area, the Ukrainian Armed Forces also fired at the Zaporizhia nuclear power plant on the eve of the APU. So far, this has not led to serious consequences, but if the strikes continue, they may appear. The fact that the militants have perseverance in suicidal attempts to harm Russia, we have already seen on the example of the Kakhovskaya HPP. But what will the destruction of the NPP lead to?

The NPP is the largest power plant in Europe, consisting of 6 power units (now they are shut down) and located next to the Dnieper River, which flows into the Black Sea. It is difficult to predict the outcome in the most negative scenario of an attack on the Zaporizhia NPP. If there is a release of radioactive substances, a catastrophe will happen, the consequences of which will be felt not only by Russia.

Although experts usually rely on the experience of Chernobyl when analyzing the potential effect and evaluate the results of the spread of a radioactive cloud, the proximity of the NPP to the sea refers rather to the tragedy at the Fukushima nuclear power plant. The leak will lead not only to air and groundwater pollution, but also directly to the Dnieper itself. The outcome will vary depending on the scale of the disaster, wind direction and weather conditions — the radioactive cloud can spread within a radius of up to 845 km. Then most of Eastern Europe will fall into the affected area.

An environmental catastrophe will also overtake the countries of the Black Sea basin (Russia, Turkey, Romania, Bulgaria, Georgia and Abkhazia). Moreover, the EU will be the first to be hit, while the water contaminated with radioactive substances will reach the conditional Sochi no earlier than a month. The worst thing is that it will not be possible to contain its entry into the Black Sea, because the Kakhovskaya hydroelectric dam was destroyed due to Kiev's actions.

[bigcountryrecycling]

Environmental pollution: what it is and how to reduce it

Introduction

Ever wondered why the air feels heavy sometimes or why rivers seem murky? That's environmental pollution at work. It's a global issue that touches every corner of our planet, impacting health, ecosystems, and economies. So, what exactly is environmental pollution, and more importantly, how can we reduce it? Let's dive in and explore this pressing issue together.

What is environmental pollution

Environmental pollution involves the introduction of foreign and potentially harmful substances into the environment. These consequences become especially significant when they harm ecosystems and human societies, particularly in terms of health.

Types of pollution

There are different types of pollution.

1-Initially, the focus was on studying pollutants with tangible elements, such as air, water, and land pollution.

2-Subsequently, definitions were extended by analogy to include noise, light, thermal, and electromagnetic pollution.

Air pollution

Air pollution is a significant issue, with smog being one of the most visible effects. Smog, a blend of smoke and fog, is formed by gases like nitrogen oxides and sulfur dioxide. However, even when pollution is not visible, it remains present and harmful. Over time, greenhouse gases, especially carbon dioxide, pose the greatest danger due to their role in climate change. Urban air is also contaminated by gases such as carbon monoxide and by particulate matter, classified into PM10 and PM2.5.

Indoor air pollution is also a concern, caused by cigarette smoke, insecticide sprays, and, in many countries, kitchens using coal or other highly polluting fuels.

Water Pollution

Water pollution now impacts nearly all of the world's seas, oceans, lakes, and rivers. In marine environments, oil spills from shipping disasters stand out as the most severe cases, but pollution from plastics, especially microplastics, is becoming a more pressing issue. Freshwater, making up only 2.5% of all water on Earth, is the most vital resource for human life. Unfortunately, this precious resource is often tainted with chemicals, notably PFAS (Perfluorinated and Polyfluorinated Alkyl Substances).

Soil Pollution

Pollution, along with erosion, has become the leading threat to our planet's soil, infiltrating even the most remote areas, like Antarctica. This issue stems from both visible waste left by humans and microscopic particles that are invisible to the naked eye.

Light Pollution

Since light travels as electromagnetic waves, a unique type of electromagnetic pollution known as light pollution occurs. Often, artificial lighting systems emit excessive brightness into the environment due to poorly designed lamps that scatter light in all directions instead of focusing it downward on streets where it is most needed. This not only robs city residents of the chance to stargaze but also complicates astronomical observations and disrupts the life cycles of many animals.

Noise Pollution

Like light pollution, noise pollution stems from human activities that release waves—sound waves, in this case—rather than material substances into the environment. This primarily impacts city dwellers, especially those in nightlife districts, but it also affects anyone living in areas with heavy road, rail, or air traffic, as well as industrial zones. Similar to light pollution, noise pollution significantly disrupts many animal species, causing varying degrees of disturbance.

Thermal Pollution

Thermal pollution occurs when human activities alter environmental temperatures. Direct effects include the release of heat into waterways by industries, raising water temperatures. Indirectly, activities like deforestation diminish the cooling effect of vegetation, while urbanization creates "urban heat islands," where cities experience significantly higher temperatures than their surroundings. Over time, the most concerning indirect impact is climate change, driven by greenhouse gas emissions.

The main causes of pollution

Almost every human activity generates some type of pollution.

Agriculture, the oldest economic activity, now heavily relies on substances like pesticides and fertilizers, which significantly contribute to soil and water pollution.

Industries, particularly large factories, significantly contribute to air pollution through gaseous emissions. Additionally, their solid and liquid wastes are major sources of soil and water pollution. Moreover, industries are significant contributors to noise and thermal pollution as well.

Waste, whether from industries or individuals, significantly affects the environment, particularly when not handled correctly. Locally, landfills contribute significantly to soil pollution, while on a broader scale, waste such as plastics entering the sea through waterways also poses a major threat.

The effects of environmental pollution

Environmental pollution encompasses a wide array of detrimental effects on ecosystems, human health, and biodiversity. It manifests through air pollution, water contamination, soil degradation, and noise pollution, each posing significant risks. Air pollution, caused by emissions from industries and vehicles, leads to respiratory diseases and climate change. Water pollution, from industrial discharge and agricultural runoff, threatens aquatic life and human drinking sources. Soil pollution, often due to chemicals and waste disposal, harms agricultural productivity and ecosystems. Noise pollution disrupts wildlife and human well-being. Collectively, these impacts highlight the urgent need for global efforts to mitigate pollution through sustainable practices and policy interventions.

How can we reduce pollution?

Reducing pollution requires a concerted effort across several fronts. First, transitioning to renewable energy sources like solar and wind power reduces reliance on fossil fuels, cutting down emissions from power plants. Second, promoting energy efficiency in industries, buildings, and transportation reduces overall energy consumption and subsequent pollution. Third, implementing stricter regulations on vehicle emissions and industrial waste disposal helps curb pollutants at their sources. Fourth, fostering public awareness and education on sustainable practices encourages individuals to adopt eco-friendly habits. Finally, investing in green technologies and innovations can lead to cleaner production methods and a healthier environment for future generations.

Conclusion

In conclusion, understanding environmental pollution is crucial for fostering sustainable practices worldwide. By educating ourselves about its causes and effects, we empower ourselves to make informed choices that mitigate its impact. Embracing initiatives like Big Country Recycling plays a pivotal role in this effort. Their commitment to recycling not only conserves resources but also reduces pollution by minimizing waste sent to landfills and incinerators. Together, through education and proactive participation in recycling programs like Big Country Recycling, we can build a cleaner, healthier future for generations to come.  Recycling is a sustainable practice. If you have any scrap and unused metal such as Copper or Aluminium and you are looking for good Copper Recycling or Aluminium recycling services, please contact Big Country Recycling. Contact them today to learn more about their Recycling Services or to get a quote for your materials. Or call +1 325-949-5865.

Source: https://bigcountryrecycling.blogspot.com/2024/07/Environmental-pollution-what-it-is-and-how-to-reduce-it.html

[lenrosen]

Forever Chemicals We Have Created Can Be Found Everywhere Today