Researchers have charted the global use of microplastics and found that our environment and food contain dangerously high amounts of these microscopic contaminants.
The study, which covers 109 countries, reveals that Indonesia leads the group of Southeast Asian countries that ingest the most microplastics through food.
In the meantime, the nations that have been shown to be breathing in the most amounts of microplastics are China, Mongolia, and the United Kingdom.
Dietary Dangers: Southeast Asia's Microplastic Consumption (Photo : BEN STANSALL/AFP via Getty Images)
Public Health and Airborne Microplastics
According to a Cornell University study, Indonesians consume much more microplastics than people worldwide, with the country's monthly consumption of about 15 grams coming mainly from seafood.
This amount is in opposition to the monthly intake in Paraguay, which is the lowest ever reported at 0.85 grams, and the United States, which is roughly 2.4 grams.
Another major health danger associated with microplastics in the air is that approximately 2.8 million particles are inhaled each month by people living in China and Mongolia. In comparison, Americans breathe in about 300,000 particles annually.
The study emphasizes how important it is to enhance water quality management and waste recycling in order to lower pollution and safeguard public health.
Which health hazards are associated with microplastics?
Scientists and health experts are growing more concerned about potential health risks associated with microplastics. Among the main risks identified are the following ones:
The odds of developing these health problems were found to be 4.5 times higher in those who had microplastics trapped in a major blood artery.
Toxicity
Contaminants include hazardous organic compounds and trace metals can be carried by microplastics and may seep into the body, perhaps having toxic consequences.
Additionally, they may be carcinogenic, meaning they may contribute to the development of cancer.
It can also impact neurological function and reproduction, cause ecological imbalances, and alter the metabolism of gut flora.
Inflammation and Diabetes
Microplastics can cause heart disease, type 2 diabetes, insulin resistance, decreased fasting glucose, enhanced inflammation, and other health issues when they enter the food chain.
This comprehensive global consumption mapping of microplastics brings attention to the pressing issue of plastic pollution and its deleterious consequences on human health. It requires that in order to solve this pervasive environmental concern, the public and policymakers act quickly.
Which are some typical sources of contamination with microplastics?
The issue of microplastic pollution is complicated and has numerous underlying causes. Microplastics are small, artificially manufactured particles of plastic found in industrial pellets, makeup, and synthetic clothing.
These include pre-production plastics used in manufacturing, microfibers from textiles like clothing and fishing nets, and microbeads found in beauty goods.
Larger plastic objects degrade as a result of mechanical wear and environmental variables like sunshine, producing secondary microplastics. This category includes single-use plastics like straws and bags, fragments of plastic bottles and containers, and microplastics created by tire wear on cars.
Cigarette filters made of cellulose acetate fibers, which degrade into microplastics, and runoff from plumbing and air deposition are two more significant sources of microplastics.
Microplastics are becoming more and more common in our environment due to their extensive diffusion, so action must be taken immediately to reduce their detrimental impacts on ecosystems and public health.