According to a recent peer-reviewed study, starch-based bioplastic, which is marketed as sustainable and biodegradable, has the potential to be just as hazardous as petroleum-based plastic and can result in comparable health issues.
Bioplastics, which are frequently created from plant-based materials like cornstarch, rice starch, or sugar, have been hailed as the plastic of the future since they decompose more quickly than petroleum-based plastic.
Straws, cutlery, wet wipes, quick fashion apparel, and a variety of other items frequently employ the bioplastic. Among other health problems, the current study discovered alterations in glucose levels and gut microbial imbalances that might cause cardiovascular disease, organ damage, and metabolic abnormalities.
In a press release, research co-author Yongfeng Deng stated, “Biodegradable starch-based plastics may not be as safe and health-promoting as originally assumed.” “Considering their potential for ingestion by accident, this is especially concerning.”
More than 16,000 compounds, many of which are known to be harmful to human health or the environment or lack a public toxicological profile, may be found in plastic, a material that is famously poisonous. Common plasticizers like phthalates and bisphenol are among the most harmful chemicals produced by humans and have been connected to everything from hormone disruption to cancer.
Despite being promoted as a safer substitute, bioplastics don’t decompose as quickly as the industry has stated, according to earlier studies. In the meantime, nothing is known about the toxicity of the substance.
ALSO READ: New research suggests that Venus may never have hosted oceans on its surface
Similar to plastics derived from petroleum, bioplastics can shed and transform into micro-bioplastics. For instance, when clothing is washed, it may shed large amounts of bioplastics, which can then find their way into food and water.
In the latest study, scientists provided food and water containing “environmentally relevant” amounts of bioplastics to three groups of mice for three months, while a third group was given no bioplastics.
They discovered that exposure to plant-based plastic results in many of the same health issues as petroleum-based plastic; the chemicals were detected in the tissue of the mice’s livers, ovaries, and intestines, where they created microlesions.
Researchers also discovered that the group that was fed more bioplastic had greater levels of abnormalities in their livers and ovaries. Additionally, the substance impacted certain abnormalities in gut flora and genetic pathways, which the researchers hypothesize may change circadian cycles.
Although the scientists point out that further study is necessary, the results cast doubt on the safety of common bioplastics. Despite the fact that plastic is hard to avoid in daily life, several experts and campaigners advocate taking action to lessen exposure to it in commonplace items like clothes and kitchenware.
Follow: ISA
One thought on “A study shows Starch-based Bioplastic possibly as toxic as petroleum based plastic”