UNLV medical student urges ban on plastic cutting boards; city attorney says matter is outside board's jurisdiction

Joshua Corsandy, a medical student at the Kirk Kerkorian School of Medicine at UNLV, told the Special Board of Civil Service Trustees on Jan. 6, 2025 that he would like the city to consider banning plastic cutting boards in restaurants and replacing them with bamboo, stainless steel or glass boards.

"A lot of restaurants use plastic cutting boards," Corsandy said. He said research finds microplastics and nanoplastics shed from plastic surfaces and cited studies he offered to share with the board. Corsandy said those particles have been found in human tissue and argued the city should consider less‑plastic alternatives.

Nicole Garcia, chief deputy city attorney, told Corsandy that the public comment topic was "not within the board's jurisdiction" and suggested he bring the issue to the Las Vegas City Council. Garcia also suggested the Southern Nevada Health District as another body that could consider food‑safety or public‑health concerns.

Corsandy said he would remain after the meeting to discuss next steps with city staff. The transcript shows no formal action or referral by the board on the subject; the board accepted the public comment and closed the public‑comment portion of the agenda.