plastic

In the Media – Dr. Joe Zagorski on PVA with “Unbiased Science” with Dr. Jess Steier

April 11, 2026 - Media plastic

CRIS toxicologist Dr. Joe Zagorski joins the Unbiased Science podcast with Dr. Jess Steier to explain what the science says about microplastics and polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) in laundry pods. The discussion highlights a key principle in toxicology: risk depends on exposure,…

Bisphenol A (BPA)

March 30, 2026 - plastic Real-Time Science Science Vs. Sensation

If you’ve been following the BPA conversation over the past decade, you probably have a vague sense that the science kept shifting, regulators kept disagreeing, and at some point, you stopped being sure whether your reusable water bottle was safe. We’re seeing…

Microplastics and nanoplastics, picture of a spoon with plastics to represent it

Real-time Science – Microplastic & Nanoplastic

October 20, 2025 - News plastic Real-Time Science Science Vs. Sensation

Plastics are part of our everyday life; we use them to ensure the foods and products we use are safer, more sustainable, and more convenient. As we’ve incorporated plastics into our lives, new questions have been raised about what happens when…

New review: Microplastics & seafood safety

New Review – Seafood & Microplastics Safety

October 13, 2025 - New Evidence New Research plastic Research

Microplastics have become a familiar part of conversations about pollution, plastics, and health. In recent years, many headlines have warned that eating seafood could expose us to plastic particles, which has led to some people’s increased concern about the safety of…

In the news – Polyvinyl Alcohol

September 30, 2025 - In The News Packaging plastic Real-Time Science Science Vs. Sensation Trending

The weight of evidence: Why detergent-grade PVA is safe for people & the environment Recently, we’ve seen folks in the go.msu.edu/cris-idea.

In the news – Nanoplastics

February 17, 2025 - In The News plastic

A recent study discussing nanoplastic accumulation in the body is making headlines. In this post, we look at the headlines and provide clarity. Top Takeaways: Nanoplastics found in human organs highlight the need for further study to determine if there are adverse…

Image of Dr. Zagorksi talking with Today show host.

Today Show: Dr. Zagorski on the risk of black plastic utensils

January 23, 2025 - Media plastic

Should you throw away your black plastic cooking utensils? CRIS researcher Dr. Joe Zagorski weighs in with evidence.

Real-time Science – Biodegradable Plastics and Polymers

Elisabeth Anderson, Joe Zagorski

February 12, 2024 - plastic Real-Time Science

Plastic and polymer science continues to advance as researchers develop polymer materials that can degrade with limited human intervention. In this post, we look at biodegradable plastics and polymers. What are plastics and polymers? There is no singular agreed-upon definition for plastic. Plastics,…

Real-time Science – Plastic & Polymer-based Packaging

Elisabeth Anderson, Joe Zagorski

February 5, 2024 - plastic Real-Time Science

In this post, we look at plastic and polymer-based packaging and explore the risks and benefits of these materials. What is packaging? What does it do? There are three core purposes of packaging materials: Protect products from contamination or damage. Contain and portion…

Real-time Science – What’s plastic?

Elisabeth Anderson, Joe Zagorski, Kyleigh Cross

January 29, 2024 - plastic Real-Time Science

This seemingly innocuous question is complicated. In this post, we will explore the current definitions and understanding of plastics. What is plastic? There is no singular agreed-upon definition for plastic. Plastics, as a term, is used to describe a vast array of materials…