Microplastics: The Invisible Threat in Our Everyday Lives
Practical Steps to Minimize Microplastic Pollution in Your Daily Life
Despite the numerous benefits that plastic has brought to our modern lives, its rampant production and careless consumption have led to a global environmental crisis that is only now beginning to be fully understood. One of the most concerning aspects of this crisis is the proliferation of microplastics - tiny plastic particles that have become pervasive throughout our waterways, soil, and even the air we breathe.
What are Microplastics?
Microplastics are defined as plastic particles that are less than 5 millimeters in size. They can come from a variety of sources, including the breakdown of larger plastic items, synthetic clothing fibers, tire wear, and even the microbeads found in some personal care products. These microscopic fragments are now ubiquitous in the environment, contaminating ecosystems around the world.
The Dangers of Microplastics
It is a misconception that plastic decomposes over time like biological substances naturally do. Instead, plastic breaks down into smaller and smaller particles through UV radiation and wave action. It is already found everywhere in our environment, on the highest mountains and in the deepest ocean trenches, in our drinking water, in our food, and in our bodies—in our lungs, our stool, and in the placentas of pregnant women.
And it is precisely this breakdown into ever smaller components that is dangerous about microplastics. This is definitely still far too little researched, because the material plastic has only been around for about 150 years. That means we simply don't have any long-term studies that have investigated the effects of microplastics. To get a sense that microplastics affect every single one of us, and not just those on the plastic-polluted coast or nature, here is a very striking comparison:
“In fact, a study shows that we consume roughly the equivalent of a credit card's worth of microplastics each week.” - Christine Figgener, marine biologist
If I imagine it like that, then honestly, it's pure madness and completely against our biological nature. So the microplastic problem - as we just saw with this credit card example - is an issue for every person on Earth.
Here are some more incredible numbers from the Ocean Generation Foundation about the sheer infinite amount of microplastic currently present in our oceans:
“It’s nearly impossible to imagine the 51 trillion microplastic particles in the Ocean, or the 422 million tonnes of plastic we produce every year.”
We can see, therefore, that microplastics are ubiquitous and affect us all.The presence of microplastics in the environment poses a serious threat to marine ecosystems, wildlife, and ultimately, human health. Here's why:
The Potential Health Risks for Us as Humans
The potential health impacts of microplastic consumption by humans are only beginning to be understood. Studies have linked microplastic exposure to inflammation, metabolic disorders, and even cellular and genetic damage. As these tiny particles accumulate in our bodies over time, the long-term consequences could be severe. A new study published in "The Guardian" found that microplastics were found in the testicles of all male subjects examined. Tests were also conducted on dogs, and microplastics were found in the testicles of each dog as well.
Microplastics have also been discovered in human blood, placentas and breast milk, indicating widespread contamination of our bodies. We still have so much to learn about the impact of these tiny particles inside our bodies, but so far research has shown them to be harmful to human cells.
It is not only the small plastic particles themselves that are harmful to our bodies, but also the substances added to the plastics during the manufacturing process. These so-called additives give the plastic additional properties, such as making plastics softer or stronger. These substances and pollutants, which accumulate on the surface of plastic objects over time, are sometimes highly toxic and dangerous to the health of our bodies.
Harm to Marine Life & Ecosystems
Microplastics are being consumed by a wide range of marine organisms, from tiny zooplankton to large whales. These particles can block digestive tracts, reduce feeding ability, and even accumulate toxins that are then passed up the food chain. As marine life is ingesting more and more microplastics, the long-term ecological impacts are still unknown, but likely to be devastating.
And how far microplastics have already penetrated the most remote corners of our planet is shown by a study from 2020. In it, the research team detected particles of the plastic polyethylene terephthalate (PET) in the body of a deep-sea amphipod in the Mariana Trench - at a depth of more than 6,500 km - which is used, among other things, to make single-use drink bottles, films, and textile fibers.
The scientists have named the amphipod "Eurythenes plasticus." "With the name, we want to send a strong signal against marine pollution," emphasized the head of the research team, Alan Jamieson.
Microplastic Entering the Food Chain & Our Diet
As microplastics are consumed by marine life, they are also entering the human food chain. Seafood, such as fish, shellfish, and even salt, have all been found to contain microplastics. Microplastics are being consumed by marine organisms, entering the food chain and ultimately ending up in the human diet.
The long-term health effects of microplastic exposure are still being studied, but early research suggests potential harm to human health.
The Largest Microplastic Sources
One of the main sources of microplastics is our synthetic clothing, which loses tiny fibers of microplastics with every wash. Our water treatment systems are unable to filter them out of the water, and they thus enter the water cycle.
Another major source is plastic packaging. In one of my last article “The Plastic Paradox: Essential Yet Destructive” I pointed out that a research team found that more than half of global branded plastic pollution can be tracked to just 56 companies in the field of fast-moving consumer goods.
An unexpected source of microplastics for me was also the following: A 2019 study at McGill University found that a single tea bag releases more than 11 billion microplastic and 3 billion nanoplastic particles when steeped in boiling water. These are such unimaginably high numbers... and that's just from only one single teabag. Unbelievable! Many coffee filters also contain plastic.
And now? What Each of Us Can Do?
Addressing the microplastics crisis will require a multi-faceted approach involving individuals, businesses, and governments. The only way is to use less plastic or to let less plastic get into the environment. And everyone can contribute to this. Some key steps we can all take include:
Reducing our personal plastic consumption by avoiding single-use items, choosing alternatives to plastic packaging, and properly disposing of plastic waste.
Use a special washing bag for your washing machine to prevent plastic fibers and microplastics from entering the wastewater. Personally, I use the washing bag from Guppyfriend to wash my sports and synthetic clothes.
Another good measure to prevent the intake of micro-plastics is, for example, the use of a drinking water filter made from biodegradable filters. In recent years, many new ideas and solutions have been developed, particularly by innovative startups.
Participating in beach cleanups and other community efforts to remove plastic waste from the environment.
The microplastics crisis is a complex and multifaceted problem that requires urgent action. By understanding the dangers of these tiny plastic particles and taking steps to reduce our plastic footprint, we can work towards a more sustainable future for our planet and our own health.
Take Care!
Tobias
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