A study from Iowa State University shows some common cleaning methods for recyclable plastic can release phthalates into wash water. Ultrasonic cleaning and detergent with sodium hydroxide released DEHP and DCHP, and reuse of water raised DEHP levels.
Photo by Zoshua Colah, Unsplash
University of Michigan researchers found that coatings on disposable nitrile and latex gloves can leave stearate residues that look like microplastics. The contamination can affect filters and slides used for air, water and other samples.
A mouse study found that when fathers were exposed to microplastics, their offspring developed metabolic problems. Female offspring showed diabetic signs and researchers linked the effect to changes in sperm small RNAs; the work was published in the Journal of the Endocrine Society.
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