Scientists warn: Both plastic and its alternatives are toxic and pose health risks
Reports of plastic pollution affecting every corner of the globe and all living beings have provoked a transition towards alternative materials. However, scientists from Gothenburg University suggest that using paper substitutes may not be as safe and eco-friendly as initially thought.
11:57 AM EST, November 26, 2023
The impact of disposable cups on butterfly larvae
Researchers from Gothenburg University studied the effect of disposable cups made from various materials on mosquito larvae.
"We exposed both paper and plastic cups to wet sediment and water for several weeks and observed how the leached chemicals affected the larvae. All cups had a detrimental effect on the growth of mosquito larvae," explains Bethanie Carney Almroth, a Professor of Environmental Science at the Faculty of Biology and Environmental Science at Gothenburg University.
Paper cups are lined with a thin layer of plastic film
Ordinary paper is not fat or water-resistant, therefore paper used for food packaging needs to be coated with a protective layer. Currently, this layer often consists of polylactide (PLA), a type of bioplastic.
Bioplastics, including PLA, are derived from natural and renewable resources like corn, cassava, or sugarcane. They are considered to be biodegradable, meaning they decompose faster than traditional plastics under the right conditions. However, these bioplastics have proven to be toxic.
"Bioplastics don't decompose effectively once they enter the environment, such as water. There's a risk that the plastic remains in nature, breaking down into microplastics which could potentially be ingested by animals and humans. Bioplastics contain just as many chemical compounds as conventional plastics," explains Bethanie Carney Almroth.
Potential health risks associated with food packaging
It appears that paper food packaging still poses a risk of exposure to harmful chemicals that can get into our food.
The study's findings were published in the "Environmental Pollution" journal. Besides the results themselves, the authors also discuss ways to mitigate the risk of food contamination by plastic.
"When disposable products hit the market after World War II, there were major campaigns to teach people to dispose of products, which was abnormal behavior. Now we need to revert, moving away from this 'disposable lifestyle'. I suggest people bring their own cup when buying takeaway coffee. Better yet, take a few minutes to sit down and enjoy your coffee from a porcelain cup," suggests Bethanie Carney Almroth in her article.
Binding agreements to minimize plastic use are under discussion
The UN is currently working on an agreement to curb the spread of plastic in society and the environment.
The Coalition of Scientists for an Effective Plastic Treaty (SCEPT) is contributing scientific evidence to these negotiations. The coalition advocates for a quick transition away from unnecessary and problematic plastics, while being wary of replacing one harmful product with another.
"We at SCEPT are pushing for transparency requirements in the plastics industry, demanding clear reporting of the chemicals that all products contain, similar to those in the pharmaceutical industry. However, the primary aim of our work is to reduce plastic production," says Bethanie Carney Almroth.
