Month: December 2023

by

Green Chemistry Reshaping Everyday Products

By Yen Zhen Tan, GCI Member at Large

Green chemistry has quietly infiltrated our daily lives, bringing about significant transformations in commonplace items such as straws, cleaning products, and electronics. This article delves into the impact of green chemistry on these everyday products.

Straws

While plastics have undeniably revolutionized our lives, the escalating accumulation of plastic waste poses a severe threat to our natural environment. The fragmentation of plastic into microplastics further compounds the issue, entering the food chain and posing potential harm to human health.

Figure 1. Life cycle of microplastics and nanoplastics.1

In response, ongoing efforts have been directed towards improving the chemical composition of straws. A recent study explored the use of degradable seaweed-based straws as a sustainable alternative.2 The results indicated that alginate, a key component, offers excellent hygrostability and heat resistance. These seaweed-based straws exhibit natural degradability, presenting a promising solution that mitigates environmental threats.

Figure 2. Different types of reusable straws.3

Cleaning Products: Conventional vs “Green”

Conventional cleaning products frequently incorporate potent chemicals, many of which are carcinogenic. These substances often contain elevated levels of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) such as chlorinates, hydrocarbons, and formaldehyde. Extensive studies on VOCs have elucidated their harmful effects on human health, particularly concerning respiratory issues.4,5 Furthermore, VOCs are associated with notable environmental concerns due to their propensity to engage in reactions that yield harmful by-products, exacerbating the adverse impact on the environment. A significant VOC-related reaction involves the formation of ground-level ozone through a photochemical process, as depicted in Fig. 3. Additionally, these reactions can result in the production of secondary organic aerosols (SOAs), peroxyacetyl nitrate (PAN), and acrolein, all of which contribute to respiratory distress.

Figure 3. Oxidation of VOCs in the presence of NOx, leading to the formation of ground-level ozone.6

On the other hand, “green” cleaning products, often plant-based, utilize natural enzymes to break down grease and dissolve debris. A recent study on the air quality impact of cleaning products and air fresheners found that VOC emissions were higher in conventional cleaning products compared to their “green” counterparts.7 This study suggests that using “green” cleaning products may potentially reduce exposure to VOC emissions, thereby promoting better indoor air quality.

Figure 4. Conventional (left) and “green” (right) cleaning products.8,9

Electronic and Gadgets

In our technology-driven era, electronics have evolved from optional to essential. However, the surge in electronic waste has raised concerns. Historical manufacturing materials, including lead-based solder, non-biodegradable plastics, and hazardous flame retardants, contribute to environmental pollution. Efforts have been made to replace these harmful materials, as evidenced by a study integrating degradable polymeric materials like poly(lactic acid) (PLA) into disposable electronic devices.10 The study focused on PLA/ZIF-8 nanocomposites, demonstrating their suitability for disposable electronics. Burning these nanocomposites releases N2 and NH3 gases, diluting ignitable gases and reducing flammability, thus lowering the risk of destructive fires. Importantly, the gases emitted are less environmentally harmful, contributing to the development of safer materials.

Figure 5. Flame retardant mechanism for nano ZIF-8 particles (NZP).10

Green chemistry emerges as a catalyst for positive change, reducing exposure to toxic chemicals and lessening the environmental footprint of everyday products. As society continues to embrace green chemistry principles, we edge closer to a more sustainable and eco-friendly future.

References

  • Lamichhane, G.; Acharya, A.; Marahatha, R.; Modi, B.; Paudel, R.; Adhikari, A.; Raut, B. K.; Aryal, S.; Parajuli, N. Microplastics in Environment: Global Concern, Challenges, and Controlling Measures. International Journal of Environmental Science and Technology 2022, 20 (4), 4673–4694. DOI:10.1007/s13762-022-04261-1.
  • Liu, Y.; Wei, T.; Xie, W.; Yuan, Y.; Wang, Y.; Qin, Y.; Ma, M.; Sun, Q.; Li, M.; Xie, F. Preparation of Green and Degradable Seaweed-Based Straws by Directional Diffusion Assembly as a Plastic Substitute. ACS Sustainable Chemistry & Engineering 2023. DOI:10.1021/acssuschemeng.3c05210.
  • HALM Straws. A Comparison of Reusable Straws. https://www.halm.co/en/pages/wiederverwendbare-strohhalme-im-vergleich (accessed 2023-11-09).
  • Dumas, O.; Le Moual, N. Damaging Effects of Household Cleaning Products on the Lungs. Expert Review of Respiratory Medicine 2019, 14 (1), 1–4. DOI:10.1080/17476348.2020.1689123.
  • Vu, T. V.; Ondracek, J.; Zdímal, V.; Schwarz, J.; Delgado-Saborit, J. M.; Harrison, R. M. Physical Properties and Lung Deposition of Particles Emitted from Five Major Indoor Sources. Air Quality, Atmosphere & Health 2016, 10 (1), 1–14. DOI:10.1007/s11869-016-0424-1.
  • Koppmann, R. Chemistry of Volatile Organic Compounds in the Atmosphere. Hydrocarbons, Oils and Lipids: Diversity, Origin, Chemistry and Fate 2020, 1–12. DOI:10.1007/978-3-319-54529-5_24-1.
  • Temkin, A.  M.; Geller, S. L.; Swanson, S. A.; Leiba, N. S.; Naidenko, O. V.; Andrews, D. Q. Volatile Organic Compounds Emitted by Conventional and “Green” Cleaning Products in the U.S. Market. Chemosphere 2023, 341, 139570. DOI:10.1016/j.chemosphere.2023.139570.
  • Davies, J. Why It Is Advantageous to Use Eco Friendly Cleaning Products – Magnetic Laundry System: Laundry Detergent Alternative. https://www.laundrydetergentalternative.com/why-it-is-advantageous-to-use-eco-friendly-cleaning-products/ (accessed 2023-11-09).
  • Plans, P. B. How to Start a Green Cleaning Products Business in 2023. https://pro-business-plans.medium.com/how-to-start-a-green-cleaning-products-business-in-2023-72c18e7f6712 (accessed 2023-11-09).
  • Shi, X.; Dai, X.; Cao, Y.; Li, J.; Huo, C.; Wang, X. Degradable Poly(Lactic Acid)/Metal–Organic Framework Nanocomposites Exhibiting Good Mechanical, Flame Retardant, and Dielectric Properties for the Fabrication of Disposable Electronics. Industrial & Engineering Chemistry Research 2017, 56 (14), 3887–3894. DOI:10.1021/acs.iecr.6b04204.