Starch-based bioplastic that is said to be biodegradable and sustainable is potentially as toxic as petroleum-based plastic, and can cause similar health problems, new peer-reviewed research finds.
Bioplastics have been heralded as the future of plastic because it breaks down quicker than petroleum-based plastic, and is often made from plant-based material such as corn starch, rice starch or sugar.
The material is often used in fast fashion clothing, wet wipes, straws, cutlery and a range of other products. The new research found damage to organs, changes to the metabolism, gut microbe imbalances that can lead to cardiovascular disease, and changes to glucose levels, among other health issues.
The authors say their study is the first to confirm “adverse effects of long-term exposure” in mice.
Was the study funded by Big Oil?
. . . Just. Curious.
I tried to access the study but can’t find it at the usual mirrors (yet). They usually just have a line like ‘the study authors and funding partners do not have any conflict of interest in this area of study’ so it requires a journalist or some expert to dig into the funding sources. AFAIK.