Study Warns Biodegradable Bags May Contain Toxins Linked to Liver and Ovary Damage
Are Biodegradable Plastic Bags Safe? New Studies Raise Health Concerns
Biodegradable plastics, often promoted as eco-friendly alternatives to traditional plastics, may pose hidden health risks, according to recent research. A study from China’s Southeast University warns that starch-based biodegradable plastics—commonly used in compostable bags—could harm organs and disrupt metabolism.
Mouse Study Reveals Toxicity
Researchers fed mice starch-based microplastics at doses comparable to human consumption levels. After three months, mice exposed to these particles exhibited liver and ovary damage, irregular glucose and lipid metabolism, and disrupted gut bacteria. “Biodegradable plastics may not be as safe as assumed,” warned study co-author Prof. Yongfeng Deng.
Compostable bags, often branded as planet-friendly, may carry health risks.
Not So “Green” After All?
Starch-based plastics degrade faster than petroleum-based ones, which linger in environments for centuries. However, their breakdown releases microplastics—tiny particles that enter human bodies via food, water, or air. While traditional microplastics are known hazards, biodegradable variants are now under scrutiny for similar toxicity.
In a separate Spanish study, compostable bags released highly toxic particles when broken down, harming fish cells in lab tests. “Manufacturers might add toxic chemical additives to these plastics,” suggested lead researcher Cinta Porte.
Microplastics: A Hidden Threat
Microplastics (particles under 5mm) result from degraded plastic products. They can cause digestive blockages, malnutrition, and cell damage in humans. Recent estimates suggest we inhale up to 130 microplastic particles daily, exacerbating risks for asthma, heart disease, and autoimmune disorders.
Biodegradable bags, though designed for composting, linked to organ damage.
Why This Matters
Biodegradable plastics are widely used in food packaging and grocery bags. The UK’s 2015 plastic bag charge reduced single-use bag consumption by 98%, but the shift to alternatives demands caution. While these materials may ease pollution, their chemical makeup requires urgent reevaluation.
What’s Next?
Both research teams stress the need for deeper safety assessments. “Large-scale use of biodegradable plastics in food packaging should wait until thorough evaluations,” Deng emphasized. For now, reusable cloth or canvas bags remain the safest bet for both health and the environment.
In short: Biodegradable plastics aren’t the perfect solution we hoped for. Reducing overall plastic use—not just swapping types—is key to protecting ecosystems and human health.
