Plastic is a vital part of everyday life. However, microplastics are a possibility, a hidden danger that is barely visible. Particles can be found in everything from the pollution of the environment and food items to microplastics in our body (ไมโคร พลาสติก ใน ร่างกาย, which is the term in Thai). We should further investigate the threat and find out the nature of microplastics as well as their effects on health. Let’s get them out!
What Are Microplastics?
Microplastics are tiny particles of plastic with sizes of 5 millimeters or less that typically are not visible to the human eye. Nevertheless, they are part of the natural world. The sources of their origin vary, including the breaking up of bigger plastic objects such as bottles and bags into the components that make them, microbeads that are found in cosmetics to help with personal care, and synthetic fibers that are released when clothes get washed.
There are harmful chemicals throughout the air, drinking water, and eating habits (for example, seafood can have microplastics in it that marine creatures consume). Plastic packaging releases contaminants into food items we rely upon and much more.
Impact Of Microplastics On Our Bodies
Microplastics entering our bodies pose several health concerns as follows:
- Inflammation: Microplastics could cause the body to become inflamed and can make a variety of chronic ailments even more difficult. This inflammation can include heart disease, diabetes, and arthritis.
- Toxicity: Microplastics can include toxic chemicals and additives like phthalates and bisphenol that have been associated with hormone imbalances, reproductive issues in health, and other detrimental effects on the well-being of people.
- Bacterial Growth: Microplastics can be breeding grounds for bacteria that cause harm. Research has shown that microplastics draw microbes in and trigger them to create biofilms, which can cause infections or even increase the severity of health problems currently in place.
- Reactions to the Immune System: The microplastics that are found within our bodies can trigger the immune system so as to trigger allergic or an autoimmune response, eventually leading to adverse reactions in some.
- Cellular Permeation: Microplastics have been identified as able to penetrate cells and alter the way cells and signals operate as well as function.
Call-To-Action
Our bodies are contaminated with microplastics. It is a frightening reality in our increasingly plastic-based world. However, with greater awareness, more informed choices, and collective actions, we can reduce their risk. We can all take collective actions against microplastics, unnoticed dangers, in the hopes of greater health and a better environment.