Daily Microplastic Consumption and Its Impact on Health
While microplastics have become ubiquitous in our environment, their impact on human health is not yet fully understood. Read this to know, If You are eating MICRO-PLASTIC daily. Recent studies have suggested a possible link between daily microplastic consumption and specific types of cancer, depending on the organs they may affect.
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| Microplastic consumption |
One study published in the International Journal of Cancer found a significant association between microplastic consumption and colorectal cancer in human populations. Another study found that microplastics may lead to liver cancer in zebrafish.
Microplastics have also been found to accumulate in the lungs, potentially leading to lung cancer.
A study in Environmental Science & Technology Letters found that microplastics were present in human lung tissue samples. While the link between microplastic exposure and lung cancer has not been definitively established, it is an area of concern for researchers.
Here are some of the ways we consume microplastics unknowingly:
Drinking water:
Microplastics have been found in tap water, bottled water, and even in some brands of beer. A study found that people who drink bottled water consume an additional 90,000 microplastic particles per year.
Seafood:
Microplastics have been found in fish, shellfish, and other seafood. This is because the plastic particles are ingested by marine animals and accumulate in their tissues.
Salt:
Microplastics have also been found in sea salt. A study found that a person who consumes the average amount of salt each day could be ingesting over 1,000 microplastic particles per year.
Airborne particles:
Microplastics can also be found in the air we breathe. They can come from sources such as tire wear, synthetic clothing fibers, and microbeads in cosmetics.
Food packaging:
Plastic packaging materials used in food products can also contain microplastics. When we consume these products, we may also be ingesting microplastics.
Given the potential risks associated with microplastic consumption, it is important to take steps to reduce our exposure.
Here are 10 alternatives to reduce plastic consumption:
1. Reusable bags:
Bring your own reusable shopping bags to the grocery store.
-Buy
2. Say no to plastic straws:
Skip the plastic straw at restaurants and bring your own reusable straw.
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| reusable straw |
3. Use glass or stainless steel water bottles:
Use a refillable glass or stainless steel water bottle instead of plastic bottles.
Buy steel bottle.
Buy glass bottle.
4. Avoid plastic packaging:
Choose products with minimal packaging or packaging made from alternative materials.
Buy alternative packaging materials
5. Bring your own containers:
Bring your own containers to restaurants or for takeout to avoid using disposable containers.
Must try food containers made up of bamboo lid and glass.
Should try -food containers made up of wheat and bamboo.
6. Use natural cleaning products:
Use natural cleaning products instead of products that contain microbeads, which are a type of microplastic.
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| Natural cleaning products |
7. Choose natural fabrics:
Choose natural fabrics like cotton or wool instead of synthetic fabrics.
8. Use bamboo or wooden utensils:
Use bamboo or wooden utensils instead of plastic utensils.
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| Bamboo utensils |
9. Avoid single-use plastics:
Avoid using single-use plastics like disposable cups, plates, and cutlery. Insted have reusable carry bags.
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| Organised plastic free bags |
10. Dispose of plastics properly:
Ensuring that plastics are disposed of properly and recycled whenever possible such as providing recycle bins at public places.