Thousands of civilians are unaware of the global impact which comes from microplastics.

Plastic products are ruining lives for many. There are millions of microplastic products which normally end up in the waterways and become part of the ocean destroying the very ecosystem we live in. We often wonder what microplastics are and where we can find them.

In this article, we are going to talk about microplastics & BPA. We will also discuss what threats & challenges they pose to your good health and how you can resolve them.

What are Microplastics?

Microplastics are small plastic items having a diameter of five millimeters. Most of them are a micrometer long and you may find them in many different forms. However, they are commonly found as broken-up pieces of fibers appearing from clothing. Microplastics, not necessarily come from larger plastic pieces as they are perceived to be. They can be a part of many things such as the glittering beads on a phone case or beads in a facial cleanser.

Since, microplastics come from larger plastics and are commonly found in everyday household items, they have the potential to add to the microplastic count which is being massively disposed of in the environment. The Earth does not have the ability to dissolve them in any way, and since microplastics can live up to 500 years in the environment, it can degrade health.

What Are the Health Challenges Associated with Microplastics?

Ingesting plastic can be a dangerous and even deadly activity. Plastic ingestion can lead to physical problems such as choking, blockages of the digestive tract, and chemical poisoning. Ingesting small pieces of plastic can also cause chemical or toxic contamination, as some plastics contain added chemicals like phthalates, BPA, and flame retardants that can be harmful to humans when ingested. In addition to the physical risks associated with eating plastic, there is also the potential for long-term health effects from chemical exposure. Long-term exposure to certain chemicals has been linked to cancer, reproductive issues, and other chronic diseases.

How to Prevent Microplastic Residues from Affecting the Environment?

Reduce Plastic: One of the ways to reduce the plastic residue from the environment is to use reusable bags, water bottles and containers instead of disposable counterparts. You can always avoid purchasing products which have a somewhat excessive plastic packaging in them.

Proper Disposal: Always make sure to have a proper disposal method of removing plastic waste. For instance, drop the plastic into the recycling bins, compost bins, trash bins, etc. Never choose to dump plastic waste into the rivers, oceans or other natural habitats whatsoever.

Microplastic Free Product: Search for products which are free of microplastics. There are several ones including personal care products & cleaning ones. Choose from natural products made with natural ingredients like plastic microbeads and more.

Raise Awareness: It is highly important to spread awareness on the impact of microplastics on the environment. Encourage others to take action and educate them on the negative impact of plastic products, the dangers they pose to you and your children’s health.

What Steps Shall We Take to Prevent Microplastic From Spreading?

There are a number of steps that can be taken to prevent microplastic from spreading into the environment. These include:

• Reducing plastic consumption – The use of single-use plastics such as plastic bags and straws should be limited and avoided whenever possible, and products made with recycled materials should be chosen instead.
• Recycling and reusing plastic items – Plastic waste should be reused or recycled whenever possible.
• Using natural alternatives to synthetic materials – Natural materials such as bamboo, hemp, and cork can often replace synthetic plastic materials in many applications.
• Cleaning up existing sources of microplastic pollution – Local authorities, businesses, and organizations can work together to clean up litter from beaches, waterways, parks and other areas prone to microplastic pollution.
• Educating others on the dangers of microplastics – Sharing information about the risks associated with microplastics is essential for helping to reduce their spread into the environment.

Concluding Thoughts

Microplastics have become a common threat.

It’s growing by the day and impacting our lives in the worst of ways. Ingesting them can pose some serious health issues. Plastics normally have harmful chemicals which when inhaled by a person can lead to cancer, chronic inflammation and many other unknown harmful problems.