Microplastics have Infiltrated our Organs, Threatening Our Health and the health of our families.
Recently, The Washington Post published an excellent article by S. Ducroquet and S. Osaka, titled “The Plastics We Breathe”, which starts by saying “Every time you take a breath, you could be inhaling microplastics.”
The article states that for several years now, scientists have been finding microplastics almost everywhere. They first found them in oceans and the bodies of fish and mussels. Then they discovered them our tap water, in vegetables and in fruits. Now they know that microplastics are in our bloodstream, spreading to virtually any organ in the body. Microplastics have been found in the placenta, the liver, and even in breast milk.
How did they get there?
Per this article, researchers discovered that “Microplastics are floating around us. They are suspended in the air on city streets and inside homes. One study found that people inhale or ingest on average 74,000 to 121,000 microplastic particles per year through breathing, eating, and drinking.”
This is very concerning, but what are the consequences of this?
As explained in the article, “In laboratory tests on human cells, microplastics can cause tissue damage, allergic reactions, and even cell death. The chemicals in plastics (like phthalates or bisphenol-a) have also been shown to cause hormonal imbalances and disrupt the reproductive system.”
It is clear that the risks to human health are serious, and the situation is being exacerbated by the out-of-control production of plastics. Just last year over 400 million metric tons of plastic was produced, of which about 8 million tons ended up in the oceans.
What can I do about this?
You can start with simple steps, like reducing single use plastics that enter your own home, when there are alternatives. One easy way is to switch away from plastic shampoo and conditioner bottles to All Natural, solid shampoo and hair conditioner bars, from Organica Eco Soaps. Not only will your hair be healthier and radiant, but you will be contributing to reducing plastics and other environmental pollution, while also saving money.
We offer all natural shampoo bars, conditioner bars, and face and body soaps made with only natural and organic ingredients, and with biodegradable packaging. This is our contribution to a better world, and with your support we will continue to break the habit of using single use plastics in our daily lives.
Find the article published on MSN here: The plastics we breathe (msn.com)
Another related article by CNN’s Dr. Sanjay Gupta is found here: Video: Surprising ways microplastics enter our body | CNN
