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Home Q & A Board Science-Related Homework Help Chemistry (Moderator: Laser_3)
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CarbonRobot CarbonRobot
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Posts: 393
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A year ago
Recently learned that like 80% of humans have microplastics in their blood stream now from just about every type of plastic we've ever used as consumers.

Does there exist nonplastics that can have a lot of the same properties as plastic except that our bodies can break them down in a year's time? I don't expect we'll use less plastic until there is an alternative.
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wrote...
#1
Educator
A year ago Edited: A year ago, bio_man
The toxins that stick around are those that are fat-soluble, since fats aren't the bodies first source of fuel - carbohydrates are. Hence, chemicals like plasticizers (such as PVC), which mimic hormones found in the body remain in the body for a longer period of time, leading to long-term health effects.
CarbonRobot Author
wrote...
#2
A year ago
So any alternatives?
wrote...
#3
Educator
A year ago
Quote from: CarbonRobot (A year ago)
So any alternatives?

Alternative to what exactly?
CarbonRobot Author
wrote...
#4
A year ago
Quote from: bio_man (A year ago)
Quote from: CarbonRobot (A year ago)
So any alternatives?
Alternative to what exactly?

To plastics that will be in the body permanently now? I assume at least with glass we know it won't do harm, but can't a material be made like fabrics that break down in years versus centuries?
wrote...
#5
Educator
A year ago
Cellulose-based products has been used to replace certain plastic products because cellulose is derived from plants and thus is naturally biodegradable. For example, cellophane was invented more than 100 years ago, and is used as transparent wrapping material. It is produced by dissolving wood pulp or other cellulose material in an alkali with carbon disulfide. Plastic bags are being replaced with paper bags, plastic straws with paper straws, plastic wrap with cellophane. Still a long way to go...
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