Microplastics are a growing threat to human health, according to recent studies. These tiny plastic particles, less than 5 millimeters in size, are now found in oceans, rivers, soil, rain, and even in everyday products. The World Health Organization (WHO) warns that humans are ingesting or inhaling more microplastics than they expel, leading to bioaccumulation in our bodies. This accumulation can cause cell damage and potentially result in diseases such as cancer, heart disease, and poor fetal development. AI Finds Earth Approaching the 1.5°C Warming Threshold and Exceeding the 2°C Mark
Studies have detected microplastics in fish, human blood, breast milk, and even in the lungs of surgical patients. With over 10,000 unique chemicals used in plastics, many of which are not properly regulated globally, the dangers of microplastics are a cause for concern.
Humans are consuming anywhere from dozens to over 100,000 microplastic particles each day, depending on their diet and the amount of food consumed. The presence of microplastics in livestock feed results in contamination of the meat and dairy products we consume every day. Researchers have found plastic particles in milk and beef samples tested in the Netherlands.
Furthermore, microplastics can transform other pollutants into a more harmful form. For example, microplastic-contaminated UV filters in cosmetic products can make chromium metal more toxic.
Experts are now warning that the consumption of micro and nanoplastics could represent an irreversible health risk to humans. In Sri Lanka, researchers have found that people are exposed to airborne microplastic particles at levels that are up to 28 times higher indoors compared to outdoor environments.
The health risks posed by microplastics are a growing concern, and it’s crucial that we take steps to mitigate our exposure to these tiny particles. While further research is needed to fully understand the dangers, there is a clear consensus among experts that microplastics do not belong in our environment. It’s time we take action to reduce our exposure to these potentially harmful particles and protect our health and the health of future generations.