microplastics Found in Everyday Items might potentially be Entering Human Bodies, Raising Health Concerns
London – A growing body of research indicates that microplastics are pervasive in the environment and increasingly present within the human body, prompting concerns about potential health impacts. From bottled water-where a 2018 study found more than 90% of brands contained microplastic particles-to textiles and personal care products, exposure routes are numerous and frequently enough unseen. Scientists are now investigating how these tiny plastic fragments may be reshaping both our physical and cognitive health.
The presence of microplastics isn’t a distant environmental threat; its a current reality with potentially far-reaching consequences. While the full extent of the risks remains under examination, experts warn that inhalation and ingestion of these particles could lead to inflammation, cellular damage, and disruption of biological processes. Understanding the sources of exposure and mitigating them is becoming increasingly crucial as research continues to unravel the complexities of microplastic impact.
Beyond bottled water,experts recommend examining household items for plastic content. Dr. Fay Ross suggests prioritizing natural fibers for bedding – sheets, blankets, and pillows - as nano and microplastics can be inhaled during sleep. Personal care products, despite the ban on plastic microbeads in face washes, may still contain nano or microplastics listed under names like polyethylene, polypropylene, polyurethane, or acrylates in cosmetics, lotions, lipsticks, and eyeshadows. Menstrual products are another area of concern, with 100% cotton or silicone cups offered as alternatives.
Airborne microplastics also pose a risk. While indoor environments generally have higher concentrations due to synthetic materials, tire wear from traffic is a critically important source of exposure. Minimizing exposure involves strategies similar to avoiding air pollution – walking on quieter streets and keeping car windows closed.
Reducing overall plastic consumption is a key preventative measure. Rather than recycling plastic containers, which may not always be triumphant, repurposing them for non-food storage is recommended to prevent further degradation and shedding of microplastics into the environment.
