Dangers from Space Junk, Megadroughts, Toxins in Bioplastics, Risky Bridges, and Climate Change Impacts on Health

Carrier Management’s June 2024 edition of Risk Alerts brings attention to various emerging hazards, including falling space debris, prolonged megadroughts, toxins in bioplastics, vulnerable bridges, and the health impacts of climate change.

Falling Space Junk: In March 2024, a cylindrical object from the International Space Station crashed into a Florida home. The object, part of a cargo pallet of aging batteries released in 2021, was expected to burn up during re-entry but survived. NASA is investigating to improve future re-entry modeling.

Megadroughts: The western U.S. is experiencing its worst megadrought in over 1,200 years, lasting 23 years so far. Research indicates that such droughts will become more frequent and severe due to climate change, causing permanent landscape changes, critical water shortages, and increased wildfires.

Toxins in Bioplastics: Studies reveal that bioplastics, despite being plant-based, contain thousands of synthetic chemicals, some toxic. These toxins can harm the environment and health, similar to conventional plastics. Researchers urge for regulations to address these risks.

Risky Bridges: The collapse of Baltimore’s Francis Scott Key Bridge highlights the vulnerabilities among U.S. bridges. Over 46,000 bridges are in poor condition, with 17,000 at risk of collapsing from a single impact. Increasing truck weights and extreme weather exacerbate these risks.

Climate Change and Health: Climate change is worsening the spread of infectious diseases and impacting mental health. Warmer, wetter conditions are expanding the range of vector-borne diseases like malaria and dengue. Additionally, extreme weather events are linked to increased rates of anxiety, depression, and neurological disorders.