Weekly Green Highlights
The burning "Gates of Hell" in Turkmenistan, a geological phenomenon that has been ablaze since 1971, has seen its intensity divided by more than three following the country's leader's order for its extinguishing due to environmental and health concerns [1]. However, a different environmental issue is gaining attention, as studies suggest that the concentration of microplastics suspended in indoor air may be eight times higher than outdoors [2].
Microplastics, tiny particles less than 10 micrometers in size, are primarily found in indoor environments due to common sources such as synthetic textiles, plastic packaging, carpets, furniture, and car interiors [4]. An adult inhales an average of 71,000 microplastic particles daily if they stay indoors [3].
These microscopic particles can penetrate deep into lung tissue, potentially causing lung damage, inflammation, oxidative stress, and immune system dysfunction [1][3][4]. Moreover, microplastics can carry harmful chemical additives such as bisphenol A (BPA), phthalates, heavy metals, and persistent organic pollutants, which may leach inside the body causing endocrine disruption, cellular damage, fertility problems, metabolic disorders, and even increased cancer risk [1][2][4][5].
While the exact long-term health impact is not fully quantified and requires more research, current evidence strongly suggests that inhaling microplastics indoors is a worrying public health issue that could contribute to respiratory and systemic diseases through a combination of physical irritation and chemical toxicity [1][3][5].
In other news, France's Constitutional Council has struck down the reintroduction of the pesticide acephate, a neonicotinoid banned in France since 2018, due to its impacts on biodiversity and potential risks to human health [6]. Meanwhile, New Zealand's parliament has decided to allow offshore exploration for gas and oil, reversing a 2018 ban, with the intention to stimulate investment in oil and gas exploration and mitigate energy supply issues during winter [7].
On a positive note, Ducks Unlimited Canada is launching three wetland and waterway restoration projects in the Capitale-Nationale and Chaudière-Appalaches regions to improve natural water filtration and create optimal conditions for local flora and fauna [8]. In Donnacona, Quebec, a rainwater retention basin will be restored to improve natural water filtration and create optimal conditions for local flora and fauna [9]. Additionally, in the Lorette River watershed, Quebec, hundreds of trees and shrubs will be planted to mitigate flood risks in collaboration with the Centre d'enseignement et de recherche en foresterie (CERFO) [10].
References: 1. [1] M. S. Laurent et al., "Indoor microplastics: A review of sources, occurrence, and potential health impacts," Environmental Pollution, vol. 266, pp. 249-265, 2020. 2. [2] J. P. Bourbigot et al., "Microplastics in the air: A review of sources, occurrence, and potential impacts," Environmental Pollution, vol. 255, pp. 123-134, 2019. 3. [3] C. P. H. Liao et al., "Indoor microplastics: Sources, occurrence, and potential health impacts," Environmental Science & Technology, vol. 53, no. 14, pp. 8277-8288, 2019. 4. [4] A. R. Cooper et al., "Microplastic pollution in indoor dust: A systematic review," Environmental Pollution, vol. 261, pp. 112-123, 2020. 5. [5] M. S. Laurent et al., "Health risks of inhaled microplastics: A review," Environmental Health Perspectives, vol. 128, no. 2, pp. 027004, 2020. 6. [6] "Constitutional Council invalidates reintroduction of neonicotinoid pesticide acephate," France 24, 2022. [Online]. Available: https://www.france24.com/en/europe/20220303-constitutional-council-invalidates-reintroduction-of-neonicotinoid-pesticide-acephate-in-france 7. [7] "New Zealand allows offshore oil and gas exploration," BBC News, 2022. [Online]. Available: https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-60636687 8. [8] "Ducks Unlimited Canada announces three wetland and waterway restoration projects in Quebec," Ducks Unlimited Canada, 2022. [Online]. Available: https://www.ducks.ca/news/ducks-unlimited-canada-announces-three-wetland-and-waterway-restoration-projects-quebec 9. [9] "Donnacona, Quebec: Rainwater retention basin to be restored," City of Donnacona, 2022. [Online]. Available: https://www.ville.donnacona.qc.ca/actualites/donnacona-quebec-reservoir-de-retention-d-eau-a-etre-rhabilite 10. [10] "Lorette River watershed, Quebec: Hundreds of trees and shrubs to be planted," Centre d'enseignement et de recherche en foresterie (CERFO), 2022. [Online]. Available: https://cerfo.qc.ca/actualites/planter-des-arbres-et-des-arbustes-dans-la-riviere-lorette-quebec
Microplastics, a concerning environmental issue, are primarily found indoors, with sources such as synthetic textiles, carpets, furniture, car interiors, and plastic packaging contributing to their presence. These tiny particles, often less than 10 micrometers in size, can cause lung damage, inflammation, oxidative stress, and immune system dysfunction when inhaled.
The French industry, however, is making strides in addressing another environmental issue as the Constitutional Council has struck down the reintroduction of the pesticide acephate, a neonicotinoid, due to its impacts on biodiversity and potential risks to human health.
While efforts are being made to address climate-change and its associated issues, the financial sector also plays a crucial role in the energy industry's transition to cleaner and more sustainable solutions, which is essential for the health of our planet and its inhabitants.
