Mouse Model Suggests Starch-Based Plastics Are Still Bad For You
1 min read
Summary
While biodegradable bioplastics may offer a solution to the problem of microplastics, a new study using mice has found that bioplastics may be just as harmful.
Researchers split mice into three groups, with each group receiving different levels of bioplastics in their food.
Following autopsy, all the mice exposed to the bioplastics were found to have suffered damage to organs, and displayed inflammation and gene regulation issues, similar to those associated with conventional plastics.
The study’s researchers have questioned the validity of the results, given the modified starches used in the tests have known biodegradability issues, whereas starch in its natural form is easily digestible.
It is suggested that the key is to create bioplastics that are as useful as conventional plastics, but less harmful when ingested.
