Microplastics and their impact on the environment and human health

Microplastics are everywhere. They are small plastic particles that are released in a variety of ways. Cosmetic products containing microplastics are a common example. Through their use and consumption, these particles end up in the sink drain along with the water. This is how the environment ultimately comes into contact with microplastics.

Why are microplastics harmful to the environment and our health?

The degradation of microplastics is very slow, causing long-term harm to ecosystems and humans. Depending on the type of plastic, it can take hundreds of years to fully degrade. When plastic ends up in the ocean, it fragments into smaller and larger particles. It also releases chemicals that further pollute our ecosystem. In addition, it is not easy to remove microplastics from the environment. There are several problems associated with microplastic pollution:

Water and soil get polluted

Tiny particles of plastic end up in the environment. There are many reasons for this. Plastic in cosmetics, tire wear and plastic packaging are just a few. The proliferation of microplastics places a heavy burden on the ecosystem.

Danger to animals

By now everyone has seen videos on the internet of animals getting entangled in plastic bags, strings or similar items. These are obvious dangers to animals. But microplastics are also a danger. When ingested by animals such as fish or shellfish, plastic enters the food chain. This often happens because animals can mistake plastic for food. When we eat these animals, these particles end up in our bodies.

Microplastics can enter the human body in several ways. We can be exposed to these particles on a daily basis. Those exposures include:

• Food

• Air

• Cosmetic

When we come into contact with microplastics, it causes inflammation in the body, which leads to further problems. Cell damage can also be the result.

There are different chemicals in plastic to make the material the way you need it. BPAs are commonly found in plastics. This stands for Bisphenol A. These chemicals have been linked to hormone disruption.

The risk of several serious diseases can be greatly increased by the toxic effects of microplastics, including:

• Infertility

• Cancer

• Metabolic disorders

• Immune disorders

How can I identify microplastics in cosmetics?

Microplastics are usually listed with the term "polyethylene" in the ingredients list. It is therefore worth taking a closer look at the product. Additives in the form of plastic can have several reasons. Among them are:

• Fillers

• Exfoliants

• Binders

Microplastics have an impact on gut health. Disruptions to the gut flora caused by microplastics can make it more difficult to absorb nutrients from food. This leads to further deficiencies. In addition, the gut is the largest part of our immune system, which leads to the conclusion that a weakening of the immune system is associated with the ingestion of microplastics.

What can we do to reduce microplastics?

• Use public transportation

  The majority of microplastics worldwide are generated by private transportation by car. We can make a real difference by using alternatives.

• Avoid clothing with synthetic fabrics

  Some sportswear is difficult to replace with natural alternatives. The most important thing is to keep synthetic fabrics to a minimum.

  What should we do if we have synthetic clothing?

  • Wash less often

  • Wash at a low temperature

  • Filter microplastics in the washing machine.

    Is it possible? Yes, it's very easy with a laundry bag. The bag can then be cleaned when the plastic accumulates.

    Anyone can easily implement this point and at the same time do something to better our drinking water. A very popular brand is "GUPPYFRIEND".

    You can find out more on their website https://en.guppyfriend.com/

    I highly recommend it.

• Choose cosmetics without added plastic. Natural cosmetics are a good alternative

• Make the right choices at the supermarket

  • Avoid plastic wrapped fruits and vegetables

  • Avoid plastic bags, preferably cotton

  • Take your own containers to the butcher instead of having everything wrapped in plastic