Study Shows Children and Teenagers are Half as Likely to Catch COVID-19
Epidemiologists at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine recently carried out a study published in Nature Medicine to determine how susceptible different age groups are to getting COVID-19.
Members of the public are tested at DeCode Genetics’ service center, a few miles from its headquarters in Reykjavik, Iceland.
Image source: Decode Genetics
The study examines transmission models to determine how susceptible one is based on age. Data shows that clinical symptoms of COVID-19 show up in around 21% of people ages 10-19. Clinical symptoms show up 71% in those over the age of 70.
If the number of infections or cases depends strongly on the role of children, countries with different age distributions could exhibit substantially different epidemic profiles and overall impact of Covid-19 epidemics,
Data was collected from China, Singapore, Canada, and South Korea and shows that those under the age of 20 may be 50% less susceptible to COVID-19. The CDC has also said that children may be less susceptible to COVID-19 and that adults make up the majority of the COVID-19 cases. Data also showed that children who did contract the virus were less likely to show symptoms.
Microplastics are Everywhere, Including the Rain
Microplastics have been a problem for quite some time. These little particles of plastic are in everything. They come off of your clothes in the washing machine. They come off cigarette filters, plastic bottle fragments, and are common in beauty products around the world. These are only a few of the sources of microplastics, but they are everywhere, including the rain and the air.
Image: Avada Environmental
Microplastics are plastic fragments less than five millimeters long that get caught up in Earth’s atmospheric systems and ocean ecosystems. After collecting data for 14 months, researchers calculated that more than 1,000 metric tons of microplastics are falling into protected areas of the western U.S every year, the equivalent of 120 million water bottles. Protected areas of the U.S, where samples were collected, only make up 6% of the U.S.
In the series of unfortunate events that is plastic pollution, researchers have come across a new problem that rivals that of acid rain; plastic rain. Because of the way microplastics move through our atmosphere they are now quite literally falling out of the sky, in the rain. As they fall into the oceans, and onto protected land, there is no way to get rid of them, and the problem is only expected to get worse. Plastic waste is expected to increase from 260 million tons a year to 460 million tons a year by 2030 as more developing countries join the middle class. More consumerism equals more plastic.
More troubling still, microplastics eventually break into nanoplastics, bits so small that researchers may not be able to detect them without the right equipment. “I couldn’t see anything smaller than four microns, but that doesn’t mean it wasn’t there,” says Brahney. “Just because we can’t see them in front of us, doesn’t mean we’re not breathing them in.”
Of the wind and rain samples collected, 98% contain microplastics. Microfibers make up around 70% of the microplastics collected while around 30% were microbeads, commonly found in beauty products. Microbeads have been banned from beauty products in the U.S since 2015.
The rate at which humans consume is causing irreversible, unprecedented damage to our Earth. Plastic rain is just one of the many problems created in recent years of constant consumerism.
The Best Period Products for Yourself, and the Environment
Conventional disposable pads and tampons have not been around for that long, and while they were once something to marvel over, women are already in search of more eco, and budget-friendly alternatives. Disposable pads and tampons are often made from synthetic materials and chemicals designed to make the products extra absorbent, and order- neutralizing. A good rule of thumb is to not use products on the most sensitive areas of your body that you wouldn’t want to ingest. Additionally, when disposed of, these products take hundreds of years to break down, and often times end up in the ocean, which can be detrimental to marine life.
Many people are only taught about two options: pads, and tampons. No one really goes over the problems associated with either product, aside from Toxic Shock Syndrome. Making the switch from conventional products to eco-friendly, health-friendly alternatives can be a difficult transition but your body, the environment, and your wallet will thank you for it in the long run. This article goes over some of the most popular alternatives to conventional pads and tampons, and which products we think are the best overall for the environment and your health.
Note: None of the links within this article are promotional links. This article is not in any way an advertisement.
100% Organic Cotton Tampons
100% cotton tampons are probably our least favorite option. Just because the tampons are organic doesn’t mean they’re good for you. One thing that is important to remember, putting anything inside your vaginal canal that’s not meant to be there can cause health problems, especially when your body is trying to expel waste. Tampons work by absorbing the blood, which can allow for the body to reabsorb some of the toxins from the body’s expelled waste. A menstrual cup or disc that just sits inside your body and collects blood does not have these issues. As is the case with regular tampons, Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS) is a concern. It’s no wonder tampons have also been shown to worsen cramps.
Organic cotton tampons are better for you than regular tampons but we encourage you to explore other options. In addition to the health risks associated with tampons, they are disposable, single-use items, so they’re wasteful even when they’re made right.
Like organic cotton pads, cotton tampons are more expensive than regular ones. You can pretty easily find Organic Cotton tampons at most grocery stores, drug stores, and health-food stores. Despite the convenience of picking them up while grocery shopping, buying online can help ensure that your money goes to independent, small businesses.
100% Organic Cotton Disposable Pads
Chlorine-free, organic pads have the same environmental upsides as organic tampons but are also better for your health. Buying organic pads, (and tampons) may be the simplest way to make a difference in your carbon footprint and health without much of a noticeable change. Of course, with anything disposable, the downside is that you will have to continue to buy these as long as you’re using them, and 100% cotton pads are more expensive than the conventional, petroleum and chemical-based products.
Of course, you are still generating waste, but without the added plastics and chemicals, these pads will break down much faster and cleaner than their conventional counterpart. If you have the means, we encourage you to explore more eco-friendly alternatives, as there are many options out there (keep reading), but 100% cotton organic pads can be a step in the right direction. You can usually find organic cotton pads at drug stores or grocery stores, or health food stores.
Menstrual Cups
Menstrual cups aren’t the best for your health, but they are much better for the environment than disposable products and they’re a healthier option compared to tampons, organic, or not. Menstrual cups are typically made from medical grade silicone, and sit inside the vagina. You can leave them in for 12 hours at a time, making them convenient for long periods of time, and overnight (emptying more frequently is better for health). Along with long wear time, you can keep your menstrual cup and reuse it for more than 10 years, making them much more cost-effective than disposable period products. Just take it out, empty it, and clean thoroughly before the next use. The downside, this can be a little difficult in public spaces.
With menstrual cups, as is the case with regular tampons, inserting something inside your body that isn’t meant to be there, and/or restricting flow in any way, isn’t great for your body’s ability to expel toxins. Additionally, even the small menstrual cups can be uncomfortable to use, especially for those who have never had a child, or those who have never had vaginal intercourse.
Many women feel that the menstrual cup is convenient and it’s much better for you than a regular tampon made with synthetic materials that can cause irritation. The Saalt Cup is very highly rated and one of the best options as it is organic, and the company that produces them is a certified B-corp.
Menstrual discs are similar to menstrual cups in practice, but there are a few differences. For starters, as the name suggests, menstrual discs are shaped like a disc as opposed to a cup. Additionally, they sit higher in the body, closer to the cervix than tampons or menstrual cups, this can take a bit of getting used to if you’re not familiar with that part of your body. Menstrual discs are not as bad as tampons but not as good as menstrual cups because of how far up they sit in the body. Lastly, most menstrual discs are typically disposable. Menstrual discs are better than tampons for the environment because they are good for up to 12 hours of use depending on your flow (much longer than tampons).
One of the most popular pros of menstrual discs is that they are one the best ways to have mess-free period sex, so if that’s something you’re looking for, menstrual discs might be a good option. While some people have said the discs can move a little bit during sex, resulting in leakage, most people don’t have issues. One of the most popular brands of Menstrual discs, the Flex Disc, is made from medical-grade polymer and is free of BPA’s and latex, while also being hypoallergenic.
If you want to go the reusable route checkout The Ziggy Cup which is more of a disk than a cup; it’s bowl-shaped. It is one the most highly rated reusable menstrual discs on the market, made out of medical-grade silicone. They also offer various cups and other feminine products.
Reuseable pads are one of the best options for your health and the environment. Typically they’re made from 100% cotton and you simply soak them in cold water then wash them in the washing machine when you’re done. While more expensive initially, they will save you money in the long run, as is the case with all reusable products. Some women have said that they can shift around more than regular pads, but with no adhesive strip there’s no concern about getting pubic hair stuck to the pad, which is definitely a plus. Having to change a reusable pad anywhere other than home can be a bit of a hassle, but in my opinion, this problem is well worth the inconvenience for the environment’s sake, just bring a bag with you to stick your used pad in. Many women say that reusable pads are more comfortable than regular ones. Without the synthetic materials and chemicals in regular pads, there’s less irritation and less chaffing. We like these New Moon Pads but you can also make your own.
Period underwear is pretty much what it sounds like: underwear that absorbs your flow without any other products. Along with reusable pads, they are one of the best options for the environment (although not as good as 100% cotton reusable pads, as many types of period underwear have synthetic materials). Period underwear does not feel like an adult diaper; they look and feel like regular underwear. In fact, you’ll probably feel even less like you’re in a diaper than when you wear a regular pad. They’re typically made with an extra layer of fabric designed to be extra absorbent. The problem is these might not work all day for you if you have a heavy flow.
They make a couple of different kinds, some designed for overnight, and some with inserts that go inside the underwear similar to reusable pads. Typically one pair of period underwear is designed to be as absorbent as 2 tampons. Since these are reusable they are one of the more environmentally friendly options, and if you’re not combining them with a tampon, then these have no health drawbacks. There are lots of different kinds out there, so check out this article by Good House Keeping to get an idea of which brand might be best for you.
Sea Sponges
This one surprised me. I had never heard of Sea Sponges being used for menstrual products until I did the research for this article. Turns out, they’re very popular and have been used for years. Supposedly, Cleopatra was a fan.
Sea sponges are used like tampons; just insert them inside the vaginal canal until you’re unable to feel it, and then pull it out when you’re done, generally after 6-8 hours, or when it gets full. When it’s full rinse it with warm water and then ring it out to dry. They’re super absorbent, soft and comfortable, easy to use, and reusable. You can also trim them down to whatever size works for you. Sea sponges are fragile, so handle with care.
You can find sea sponges with strings sewn in for convenience, and they last between 3-6 months. Sea sponges are compostable so you can throw them in your compost bucket at the end of their life, and when done correctly Sea Sponges regenerate after being picked, making them one of the best options for the environment. Again, at OLM, we recommend using products that don’t go inside your body over products that do go in your body, for health reasons, but we do love that these are all-natural and have been time-tested. It’s recommended that you clean your Sea Sponge in warm water (not boiling, as it can damage the sponge).
Since the Sea Sponge is a natural product it can contain sand and other ocean particles when you get it. There has not been a lot of scientific research conducted about the health risks of using sea sponges, but they’ve been used by women for centuries. If you’re looking for a product that isn’t a pad, that goes inside your body, this sounds like a good alternative for your health and for the health of the environment. Jade and Pearl is a small business in Florida that sells ethically sourced sea sponges and other eco-friendly menstrual products.
So what option is best?
Choosing the best product for you will depend on your budget and your needs. For convenience, overall health, and the environment, I’m partial to reusable pads. If you’re looking for something insertable, I hope you’ll try the sea sponge for sake of the environment and your health, or any of the reusable products listed if you’re more concerned about the environment than your health. Personally, I don’t recommend anything disposable long term, but merely as a transitional tool from your conventional products to something more sustainable.
New Study Links Heavy Cannabis Use to Lung Disease
A new study from New Zealand shows that heavy cannabis smoking can cause a lung disease called “Bong Lung”. Research from thousands of different people shows that heavy cannabis smokers can experience bronchitis and irreversible lung damage. Research also showed that if a cannabis user quits smoking, bronchitis can improve, but oftentimes the destruction of lung tissue remains.
Photo by Esteban Lopez on Unsplash
The bronchitis that people get, the really nasty bronchitis, does tend to improve if you stop (smoking cannabis). But as lung doctors, what we sometimes see in people who don’t stop smoking cannabis is lots of destruction of the lung tissue, and that is irreversible.
The abstract of the study does point out that there is a difference between the lung conditions of cannabis smokers versus the lungs of tobacco smokers. An author of the study also mentions that smoking cannabis and tobacco would not be advised as those who smoke both are like to “get the worst of both substances”.
Oxitec Plans To Release Millions of Gene Hacked Mosquitoes In Texas and Florida
Oxitec, a biotech company, has made plans to release millions of genetically modified mosquitoes in both Florida and Texas in an attempt to stop the spread of diseases like Zika and dengue. This has already been approved by the EPA, but a group of biologists, ecologists, bioethicists, and sustainability researchers has concerns about the effect these mosquitos could have on the surrounding ecosystems.
In theory, releasing gene-hacked mosquitoes into the wild is a valid way to kill off or reduce local populations: by engineering sterile breeds of the insect, scientists can drastically reduce the number of bugs born in the next generation. The concept has worked in a laboratory setting. But when officials in Brazil tried it for real, the plan reportedly backfired spectacularly — giving rise to super-resilient genetic hybrids.
Scientists who have raised concerns are worried the EPA has not imposed strong enough measures to monitor the experiment and prevent damage to the ecosystem. Scientists wrote “Genetic engineering offers an unprecedented opportunity for humans to reshape the fundamental structure of the biological world,” However, they pointed out than much of our ecosystems remain understudied and extremely complex.
It’s Unlikely The Mass Protests will Cause another Outbreak in Coronavirus Cases
With the recent mass protests around the country and world, many are concerned about another surge in coronavirus cases. Some are concerned about the lack of social distancing, and asymptomatic carriers who might protest without symptoms. Many protesting are still wearing masks and trying to maintain their distance, however, experts however say a surge in cases is unlikely.
“For those expecting an explosion of cases from protests, I doubt that,” wrote Howard Forman, professor of radiology at the Yale School of Medicine, in a recent tweet. “Outdoor events are seemingly low risk.”
Outdoor events are low-risk with fresh air constantly circulating in the outdoors, and the wind blowing. The virus is not as much of a risk outdoors as it is indoors. Howard Forman also pointed out that the biggest risk at these protests is being arrested. Public health experts have continued to warn people about the risks associated with massive gatherings.
In an article by futurism, they sum it up pretty well,
There are a countless number of questions that remain about the risks involved in gathering in large groups during a global pandemic. But one thing is clear: demonizing protesters for making their voices heard about systemic violence that has endangered Black lives for centuries is the wrong way to go.
CO2 Emissions Reach All-Time High Despite Recent COVID Emissions Drop
At the start of the pandemic, scientists were widely talking about a silver lining in a shut down of the economy: the massive drop in emissions. Emission decreases peaked in early April, showing a 17% decline in global greenhouse gas emissions.
China Nantong Energy’s coal-fired power station in Jiangsu Province, China /BARCROFT MEDIA VIA GETTY IMAGES
The continuing rise in CO2 concentrations in the atmosphere may sound surprising in light of recent findings that the pandemic, and the associated lockdowns, had led to a steep drop in global greenhouse gas emissions, peaking at a 17 percent decline in early April.
Despite the drop in emissions, CO2 levels are the highest they’ve ever been in human history. Until we reach zero emissions CO2 levels will continue to rise. Our annual growth of greenhouse gas levels was around 0.8ppm per year in the 1960s. The growth rate doubled in the 1980s and has reached 2.4ppm within the last decade’
“The buildup of CO2 is a bit like trash in a landfill. As we keep emitting, it keeps piling up,” said Ralph Keeling, who directs Scripps’s carbon dioxide monitoring program, and whose late father, Charles David Keeling, began measurements at the Mauna Loa Observatory in Hawaii in 1958.
