A report released yesterday showed microplastics in the blood of 96% of individuals tested. “This is the first group of publicly identified individuals to reveal microplastics in their bodies,” the report summary states.
Though research on the effect of microplastics is ongoing, current studies suggest exposure might be linked to cancer, heart attacks, reproductive problems and more.
Despite the benefits plastic production has, it is causing severe, long-term harm to the health of the planet, wildlife and humans. It is critical to make an effort to cut down on plastic use.
Microplastics do not just remain a problem for human health; they also pose a danger to the environment.
Wildlife consumes microplastics, as their small size can easily be mistaken for food. Different sea creatures are vulnerable to consuming microplastics, even whales. The chemicals that make plastic colorful and flexible have also been released into the water, impacting animals’ ability to develop and reproduce.
Plastic was not always seen as a danger; it was once deemed a savior to the environment and credited for protecting animals from being exploited for their resources.
The development of early plastics like celluloid and Bakelite led to manufacturing that surpassed the limits of natural resources. This created an accessible, cheap and mass-producible material.
It led to advancements in technology, medicine and consumer goods. Plastics could replace materials previously harvested through animal exploitation. Ivory or tortoise shells once used to make combs and game pieces could be substituted for plastic.
Plastics also helped the medical field. Single-use materials such as syringes became much cheaper and accessible. This helped lower the risk of cross-contamination, protecting medical professionals and the patients they treat.
Though, every benefit derived from plastic use comes with a disadvantage that is equally great resulting in danger to humans and the environment.
Microplastic particles are found in many different organs and tissues of humans, including the brain, testicles, heart, stomach, lymph nodes and placenta. They are found in urine, breast milk, semen and meconium, a newborn’s first stool.
Not only are we so exposed to microplastics, but they also inhabit our bodies and major organs. Yet, we are already exposed to them before we are born.
Microplastics are becoming an unavoidable part of human life. They have even infiltrated our air. In 2019, microplastics were found by researchers in the Pyrenees, a mountain range in Europe. They determined it arrived through rain or snow.
Though it feels as if there is an invisible invasion attacking the human population, hope is not lost yet, as there are many steps individuals can take to reduce the risk of microplastics.
The first step to take is to reduce plastic use. Microplastics could not exist without the plastic pollution crisis. Reducing single-waste items made of plastic material and substituting it for multiuse items or items made of biodegradable material can be a good first step.
Cookware, utensils, synthetic fabrics and cleaning supplies are all common household items that might be made of plastic and could easily be substituted for other materials.
The responsibility of reducing plastic waste cannot solely fall into consumers’ hands when major corporations account for a massive share of plastic pollution.
A study done to measure global plastic pollution found that 56 companies accounted for more than half of polluted plastic items. Large companies phasing out single-use or short-lived plastic products would greatly reduce global plastic pollution.
Consumers can make a positive difference by reducing the presence of microplastics through being mindful not to create more waste. It is also essential to hold major corporations accountable for the harm done and what can be achieved to reduce plastic waste.
Joselyn Duff is a freshman studying journalism at Ohio University. Please note the opinions expressed in this column do not represent those of The Post. Want to talk to Joselyn Duff about their column? Email them at jd637225@ohio.edu or reach them at @joselynduff48.