“Toxic capsules” — what makes the spread of cellulose nanoparticles dangerous?

Quite recently, it became known from Russian scientists that microplastic particles were found in all samples of Siberian snow. It now circulates along with air currents! I have mentioned this in my publications, and have also repeatedly discussed the danger of microplastics for humans in my materials!

But few have noticed that, in the data provided by the scientists, the greatest amount found was not microplastics, but cellulose nanoparticles. In general, there are very few mentions of the danger of cellulose both for the environment and for humans!

Today, in this material, I want to analyze this problem in more detail.

Let's go in order.

Paper and pulp-and-paper production began to appear in mass production back in the late 19th century, and by the mid-20th century — large plants became one of the key sources of emissions of organic compounds based on cellulose.

In the process of cellulose production — a colossal amount of wastewater and various volatile compounds is generated. Historically, it so happened that the treatment of such effluents was always insufficient! This led to the fact that cellulose fibers, including various secondary organic substances, began to enter rivers and water bodies in large volumes.

Also, since the last century, fabrics based on viscose, lyocell, and other materials have become widespread! What do they have in common with wood cellulose? It's simple — cellulose raw materials are used in their production. From production to numerous washes and wear of fabrics, eventually disposing of them in the trash, — various microfibers enter the environment. Nanoparticles begin to spread through the air and in all water sources!

But let's delve deeper into the issue.

At the end of the 20th century and the beginning of the 21st, people invented more dangerous forms of cellulose! Scientists developed nanostructures — nanocrystals and microfibrils. They were needed as additives in various composites (to reinforce materials), for creating packaging with increased strength, and for use in pharmacology and cosmetics as thickeners and stabilizers.

This, by the way, is reminiscent of PFAS substances, which today are called “forever chemicals” and, circulating in all the water on the planet (including evaporation and rainfall on our heads), — cause severe forms of oncology and chronic diseases. In other words, people specifically created mega-resistant substances that were then spread in millions of tons across all global ecosystems!

The situation with cellulose nanostructures is exactly the same. The task given by large companies to scientists was — to create formulas that would allow the manufacture of stronger items, bags, and so forth! No one even tried to measure the impact on ecosystems.

Capitalism. Competition. Profit!

No time to think about the consequences.

Cellulose nanostructures began to spread across ecosystems, and due to their very small size (of these substances) — they appeared in the air as aerosols, invisible for study and for preventing distribution.

I am often asked by readers, by the way: “if plastic and chemicals were produced back in the last century, then why is mortality from them only developing now?”

The fact is that Earth’s ecosystems are very strong; people have been suppressing immunity for a long time, and the substances created were extremely dangerous and “forever.” And just as they affect us gradually, by accumulation, causing oncology and various chronic forms in the future, so do they similarly affect ecosystems.

Everything takes time! Our body resists. Nature’s body resists as well. As is known, those same trees in the forest accumulate dangerous poisons, sacrificing themselves for the sake of purifying the entire organism of the Forest! All biological systems.

Let’s return to cellulose.

The substance itself, unlike microplastic particles, is biodegradable! That is, it decomposes over time. But, as in the case of plastic, humans managed to create nanostructures based on cellulose, and then spread them across ecosystems! In cold conditions, say in permafrost or snow, the decomposition process takes a very long time. Thus, the particles remain in the food chains of ecosystems and continue to circulate.

Numerous scientific studies show that cellulose microparticles are found in all corners of the planet! In particular, for instance, an international group of scientists in a 2019 study recorded micro- and nanofibers in all samples of snow from the Arctic and the Alps. That is, even the purest ecosystems of Arctic and Alpine regions are polluted by cellulose fibers, and the overwhelming majority of them are of textile origin.

According to Russian scientists, the spread of these substances occurs as a result of constant emissions from pulp-and-paper mills, from textile enterprises, and then all of this is carried by the wind and precipitation, overcoming colossal distances.

The largest amount of cellulose nanoparticles is spread by washing off surface water into rivers and lakes; then these substances are carried into oceanic and marine ecosystems. All along the way — causing critical harm to all living things!

It’s also interesting to consider the decomposition time of cellulose nanoparticles. The fact is that in hot latitudes — microorganisms are capable of breaking them down in just a few weeks or months! Whereas in northern latitudes, say in Russia, the decomposition process can drag on for a year. At the same time, emissions from enterprises do not cease.

When scientists discovered cellulose particles in Arctic ice and in northern glaciers, it became clear that the lifespan of these nanoparticles could be measured in decades.

IMPACT ON HUMANS

Now let’s move on to the most important part — the impact of cellulose on our body.

Generally, cellulose is considered a low-toxicity substance: we consume it in the form of dietary fiber. However, this applies to macro-particles (large fibers). But in the case of nanosized particles (those same nanocrystals and nanofibrils) — according to scientific research, — things are much worse! Inhaling large concentrations of nanoparticles causes inflammatory processes in lung tissue. In experiments on laboratory animals, scientists clearly demonstrated how such particles provoke severe inflammation, which in turn leads to serious chronic diseases.

And I’ve heard from many people such phrases as “cellulose is a natural polysaccharide, it’s even beneficial for humans, especially for those who lack fiber.”

A common opinion!

But the main part of the risk really isn’t that cellulose is just cellulose. It’s about the form it takes!

1 — Nanoparticles that can, among other things, circulate uncontrollably within our bodies.

2 — The adsorption (attachment) of various toxic compounds on the surface of these nanoparticles, which then “travel” with them over huge distances.

During the bleaching of cellulose, chlorinated organic compounds are used, such as dioxins, furans, chlorophenols, chlorinated lignins, and their derivatives.

Dioxins and furans are extremely toxic even in small concentrations, can accumulate (bioaccumulate) in the body’s fat tissue, causing endocrine system disorders and increasing the risk of oncological and immune disorders (IARC classifies 2,3,7,8-TCDD as Group 1 — carcinogenic to humans).

Chlorophenols and other organochlorines have toxic, irritating, and mutagenic effects, and can have a negative impact on the liver, kidneys, and nervous system with chronic accumulation.

Various technological processes also use heavy metals, including compounds based on copper, manganese, and sometimes even lead (used in catalysts, dyes, and stabilizers).

As is known, heavy metals (Cd, Pb, Hg, etc.) can lead to chronic poisoning, accumulate in bone tissue, and adversely affect the central nervous system.

In addition, to treat industrial wastewater or to prevent equipment biofouling, various flocculants, biocides, and surfactants are used. Some of these reagents are also dangerous to humans and ecosystems; they are toxic to aquatic life, and in humans cause allergic reactions.

But that’s not all!

Cellulose fibers and their small fractions (again, viscose or lyocell), used in textile production, are subjected to toxic treatment with dozens of types of dyes and stabilizers.

I won’t even list them all — I think all readers can imagine the volume of chemicals used in the manufacture of clothing and various textiles.

Let’s get straight to the danger!

Here is the key point — cellulose nanostructures adsorb all these poisonous substances on their surface, binding organic and inorganic compounds (due to hydroxyl groups capable of forming hydrogen bonds). Then, in the production process, toxic chemicals “integrate” or remain inside the fiber structure.

And then this “charged” cellulose nanoparticle, loaded with a whole range of dangerous substances, rises into the air along with dust, then is carried by the wind and settles with precipitation, snow, or rain. And water flows, such as rivers, drains, or streams, carry substances through Earth’s water arteries!

Thus, cellulose is dangerous precisely because it breaks down into trillions of nanoparticles that serve as “transport capsules” for entire groups of toxic poisons! And all of this spreads across ecosystems.

When cellulose breaks down, — the substances remain in ecosystems and accumulate in all living organisms, including humans!

And to understand the real harm to life — it’s necessary to analyze each substance, combine them, and consider the conditions and the amount that accumulates in certain ecosystems.

Due to microplastics, there is already a wave of severe oncology and chronic conditions, scientifically confirmed! And recently, scientists identified a new disease called “plasticosis.”

As for cellulose — hardly anyone knows about it. And we forget that these additional poisons are poisoning all the world’s ecosystems right now!

Share this material! We are doing our best for you. Help speak the truth, broaden horizons of knowledge, and unite those who are ready — to fight for Life.

© PAVEL PASHKOV