Knowledge Impact Network

This compilation of recent medical research shows the impact of plastic and increases in young adult cancer, heart attack and stroke, ways to reduce ingestion, inhalation of toxic particulates, and legal, policy imperatives.

📢 KIN challenges the US Surgeon General Nanoplastic toxins have infiltrated our bodies, threatening our health in ways we are only beginning to understand. It's time to raise awareness and demand action. KIN is proud to host the Nanoplastics Impact Circle, whose working groups are actively working on solutions to the plastics challenges. Recently, they submitted a letter to the US Surgeon General and will continue working to influence policy across the globe. Sarah McCue Leland Schwartz Leigh Steele Alain Chetrit Terry Trevino Bob Hogben dr huma sheikh Sedat Gündoğdu Aamna N. Bezos Earth Fund CHAESUB Lee Bhaskar Chakravorti Alex Hejmo Erica Bisquerra Leisha Martin Michelle Pollak Ramzi Mraidi, PhD, SSBB Elaine MacDonald Pierce Dunn Michael Meehan Scott Mordell Anamaria Meshkurti Heinz Blennemann Ola Brown, MFR Corrie Dretler David Bray, PhD Elizabeth Funk Mark Minevich Mark Sadovnick Narinder Dhami Natasha Milan Matic, Ph.D. Rob Follows Stephen Ibaraki William Kennedy Tom Lytton-Dickie Matthew Swift Naava Mashiah Ben Spievak Tana Clarke, Ph.D. Anton C. Bizzell, MD Rodolfo Lara Torres Todd Ruppert

🌟 Huge congratulations to Chris Funk! 🌟 We are thrilled to celebrate Chris Funk, climatologist and director of the Climate Hazards Center, and one of the key collaborators on the Knowledge Impact Network ACT-Z project with the Meteorological Services Department of Zimbabwe, for being honored with the International Excellence Award of Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT) in combination with the prestigious Fellowship of the SCHROFF Foundation in 2024! This recognition of Chris's exceptional contributions to environmental science is well deserved. His innovative work has been instrumental not only to the ACT-Z project but also in developing and supporting early warning systems for famine prevention across East Africa. His research, in collaboration with partners in the region, has helped enhance food security by predicting droughts and food shortages, enabling governments and humanitarian organizations to respond proactively. Chris, your dedication and passion for advancing climate science continue to inspire us all. We look forward to seeing your future successes! Read more about Chris' work in Kenya here - https://lnkd.in/drk_s-aT Or listen to his podcast on the intersection between population growth and extreme weather events here - https://lnkd.in/eeVdW5d5 Pierce Dunn Vivien Cook Peter Johnson Stephen Ibaraki Alain Chetrit Florian Kemmerich Michael Meehan Scott Mordell James (Jim) Clark Elaine MacDonald

🌍📢We’re thrilled to share our ACT-Z Impact Circle has reached a major milestone—its efforts are now LIVE!   ACT-Z is KIN’s impact collaborative that began in 2022 to improve food security and economic prosperity through climate resiliency in Zimbabwe. The objective of this Impact Circle was to obtain government buy-in to co-develop and communicate usable weather and crop data for small holder farmers, empowering them to make critical decisions to increase their economic prosperity. The Circle’s cross-sector team, including academics, scientists, entrepreneurs and government representatives worked together to put actionable weather data on the government website, now viewable here: https://lnkd.in/dEkdrnsV. KIN is proud to have enabled through its Impact Circle the transferring of knowledge to where it is needed most.   Learn more about ACT-Z by clicking this link: https://lnkd.in/dY6w4NUG

🌍 Reducing Plastic Ingestion in Everyday Life Did you know that plastic fibers from synthetic clothing and carpeting can be ingested through air particulates? Additionally, plastic containers and toys also contribute significantly to the nanoplastic we ingest. 💡 What can we do to help reduce this? ✅ When washing, avoid using hot water for polyester or acrylic clothes, as the heat breaks down and releases airborne particles ✅ Remove, recycle, replace, and avoid buying synthetic clothing, blankets, carpets, and flooring made of chemical-based fibers such as polyester, nylon, acrylic or spandex ✅ Consider switching to natural fibers like cotton, linen, wool, hemp, bamboo, jute, and silk for clothing, blankets, and carpets. Let's take small steps towards a healthier, more sustainable world! 🌱

🌍 Did You Know? 🌍 Nanoplastic can leach into your body through common sources like hot beverage containers, food packaging, and bottled water. This could have long-term health implications such as inflammation in the enteric nervous system, digestion dysregulation, or even hormonal imbalances, that can ultimately lead to weight gain or fertility issues. 💡 The good news is that you can reduce your nanoplastic consumption with a few simple and easy changes, such as: - Store food in glass or stainless-steel containers instead of plastic ones - Avoid drinking hot coffee from paper cups lined with plastic. Opt for a stainless-steel metal travel mug instead when buying coffee on the go - Use a reusable cup instead of disposable plastic ones whenever possible Small changes in our daily routines can have a big impact on our health and the planet 🌱🌊!

🌟Nanoplastics Impact Circle - Session 2🌟 Last Wednesday, KIN hosted an impactful second session of the Nanoplastics Circle. Attendees had the chance to learn about the newest research on the concealed, yet profoundly dangerous effect that nanoplastics pose on human health and the world at large. Studies reveal a 50% increase in nanoplastic levels in brain matter over the course of only eight years - higher than in any other organs - alongside inflammation in the nervous and digestive systems. Just as alarming, literature suggests that trees are absorbing nanoplastics-contaminated water into their roots, which ultimately leads to elevated plastic levels in fruits and vegetables as well. With this in mind, our Circle participants, seasoned professionals ranging from scientists, sustainability experts, media professionals, educators, and entrepreneus, explored avenues that could lead to decreased nanoplastics consumption and usage. One idea that stood out is petitioning the Surgeon General to consider putting out an advisory to nanoplastics, similar to the recently announced one on the dangers of parental stress, as well as the World’s Health Organization (WHO) to declare them a public health emergency. Other ideas consisted of actively raising awareness within personal networks, or seeking funding opportunities for sustained impact. Following these new trajectories, working groups were formed around the main areas of focus, in order to tackle each issue with a hands-on approach. The Nanoplastics Impact Circle and working groups will meet periodically for a year to crystalize their best advice for legislative entities, NGOs, and industries best suited to activate the group’s findings. If you’re interested to hear more about a group or to join us fight against nanoplastics, please reach out via this link: https://lnkd.in/gqDJe6_S Special thank you to everyone who participated last week, we look forward to seeing you at the next session, at the end of October 🚀 - Leigh Steele Sarah McCue Alain Chetrit Leland Schwartz Leisha Martin Ramzi Mraidi, PhD, SSBB Terry Trevino Aamna N. Corey Hollemeyer dr huma sheikh

This is the most profoundly concerning study among so many profoundly concerning studies, showing "... the brain tissue of normal individuals, who had an average age of around 45 or 50 years old, were 4,800 micrograms per gram, or 0.5% by weight." The U.S. Surgeon General and the World Health Organization need to declare the inhalation and ingestion of nanoplastics a clear and present global human health hazard. We also need policy to stop production (and import) of plastic products, and fund those working to rid plastics from our bodies, our brains.

15 Impact Voices in 15 Days - Impact Voice 3 🚀 Alain Chetrit is the Executive Chairman of Knowledge Impact Network (KIN). He has over three decades of experience in launching and operating businesses, which he applies to the nonprofit sector. He also co-founded LabConnect, a company that accelerates the development of new medicines, and now has 750 employees and numerous labs across the world. As a passionate advocate for impact investing, Alain participates in several industry events annually to share his insights and encourage others to invest for positive social and environmental change. He is dedicated to creating value, leveraging networks, and making a positive difference in the world. Here is what Alain's impact investing story⬇️ . #15ImpactVoicesin15Days #impactinvesting #investingforgood #improvinglives