Microplastics come from the packaging materials we use daily, clothing, cosmetics, and even takeout and bubble tea.
Microplastics refer to plastic particles smaller than 5 millimeters in diameter, which can enter the human body through various pathways and may pose profound health risks.
The amount of microplastics we ingest each week is equivalent to the size of a credit card.
This accumulation can not only shrink testicles and reduce sperm count by 50%, but it may also clog arteries. More worryingly, 8 out of 10 people carry significant amounts of microplastics in their bodies.
Distribution of Microplastics in the Human Body#
Microplastics have been found in various parts of the human body, including:
Blood—Lungs—Heart—Kidneys—Intestines
Urine—Feces—Placenta—Brain.....
Health Effects of Microplastics#
The health impacts of microplastic accumulation in the human body are gradually becoming apparent.
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Inflammation and oxidative stress: Microplastics in the body may trigger inflammatory responses and increase oxidative stress levels, damaging cells and tissues.
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Endocrine disruption: Certain chemicals in microplastics (such as bisphenol A and phthalates) may interfere with the hormonal system in the body, affecting reproduction, health, and metabolism.
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Cancer risk: Long-term exposure to microplastics may increase the risk of gastrointestinal cancers.
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Decreased fertility: Microplastics may reduce sperm count in men and affect fertility in women.
Sources of Microplastics
During cell division, each new cell carries microplastics. Plastics have become embedded in the replication process. You are not just consuming plastic; you are 'becoming' plastic.
The frightening part is that while the body can expel some microplastics through feces, urine, bile, and possibly sweat, most particles will remain permanently in organs and cannot be completely expelled.
Major Sources of Microplastics#
The sources of microplastics are diverse, including not only familiar plastic bottles and containers but also some hidden sources:
1. Lotions and Sunscreens
A 2023 study found that 70% of lotions and sunscreen products contain microplastics. By using these products daily, we are not only protecting our skin but also inadvertently ingesting plastic particles.
2. Clothing
35% of microplastics come from clothing. Each wash releases 700,000 plastic fibers into the environment, which can enter the human body through air, water, and skin. Many well-known brands (such as Reebok, Nike, and Puma) contain a high proportion of synthetic fibers in their clothing.
3. Rice
Instant and packaged rice may contain 13 milligrams of microplastics per serving, which come from packaging and processing.
4. Lipstick
Lipsticks often contain polyethylene and synthetic wax, and each application introduces microplastics. Women may swallow 4-9 pounds of lipstick over their lifetime, which includes significant amounts of plastic particles.
5. Ground Beef
During the processing of meat, plastic conveyor belts, pipes, and packaging machines may cause contamination. It is recommended to choose whole cuts of meat to reduce the risk of microplastic ingestion.
6. Paper Coffee Cups
What appears to be paper coffee cups actually contains plastic lining. Hot drinks accelerate the dissolution of plastic into the beverage.
7. Synthetic Carpets
Synthetic carpets are often made of polyester or nylon, releasing microfibers into indoor dust with every step, posing a threat especially to crawling children and pets.
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How to Protect Yourself#
Although the dangers of microplastics cannot be ignored, we can take the following measures to reduce their impact on health:
- Choose unprocessed foods: Try to consume fresh, unprocessed foods to reduce the intake of packaged foods.
- Wear natural fiber clothing: Opt for clothing made from natural fibers like cotton and linen to reduce the use of synthetic fibers.
- Use RO water purifiers: Filter drinking water with reverse osmosis purifiers to reduce the intake of microplastics in water.
- Choose natural cosmetics: Avoid cosmetics containing microplastics and select products with natural ingredients.
- Air dry clothes whenever possible: Reduce the use of dryers to lower the release of microplastics during the washing process.
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Conclusion#
The widespread presence of microplastics and their potential health risks is an issue we cannot ignore. Long-term exposure to microplastics may have serious consequences for health. Only by changing our lifestyles and consumption habits can we gradually reduce the intake of microplastics and protect our health.