Starch-based microplastics could cause health risks in mice

How Everyday Plastics Quietly Turn Into DNA-Damaging Nanoparticles

The same unique structure that makes plastic so versatile also makes it susceptible to breaking down into harmful micro- and nanoscale particles. The world is saturated with trillions of microscopic and nanoscopic plastic particles, some smaller than a virus, making them small enough to interfere with cellular function and even alter DNA. Researchers have found [...]

Free Screening of "Plastic People" April 27, 2025

The Lower Westchester Chapter of Beyond Plastics is offering a free screening of the award-winning documentary, “Plastic People,” at the Yonkers Riverfront Library on Sunday, April 27, 2-4:30pm. The film exposes how microplastics – plastic particles less than 5mm in length — are invading our food, water, air and bodies.  Ellyanne Wanjiku Chlystun, the 14-year-old winner of the Nobel Peace Prize, the first “green” Nobel laureate, will be among th…

6 Kitchen Items That Could Leave Microplastics in Kids’ Food & What to Use Instead

Swap out your plates, cutting boards, cookware, and more for under $20. Parents / Getty ImagesMicroplastics in kids' food have long been a concern among parents. Microplastics are plastic particles smaller than 5 mm in size, and it’s possible that your family is ingesting them through common kitchen items. Ingestion of microplastics can cause a variety of health issues, including gut and hormone imbalances and a compromised immune system, and it…

Researchers make disturbing discovery after testing children’s stuffed animals: 'There is reason to be concerned'

Stuffed animals are commonly made out of fleece, a material that sheds microplastics. But eliminating these comfort items from your child's toy collection isn't necessarily the answer, one mom discovered. What's happening? Parent and reporter Danielle Venton was concerned about her child's fleece plushies, along with hats, clothing, blankets, and other items made from this plastic-derived material.  "It's plastic," she said in an article for KQE…

Starch-based microplastics could cause health risks in mice

Wear and tear on plastic products releases small to nearly invisible plastic particles, which could impact people's health when consumed or inhaled. To make these particles biodegradable, researchers created plastics from plant starch instead of petroleum. An initial study shows how animals consuming particles from this alternative material developed health problems such as liver damage and gut microbiome imbalances.

Starch-based microplastics linked to health issues in mouse study

Wear and tear on plastic products releases small to nearly invisible plastic particles, which could impact people's health when consumed or inhaled. To make these particles biodegradable, researchers created plastics from plant starch instead of petroleum.