Compiled by Obiabin Onukwugha
Do you know?
Drinking hot beverages from paper cup releases 25,000 microplasts
Microplastics are small pieces of plastic that are less than five millimeters long. They can come from many sources, including:
Broken down plastic: Larger pieces of plastic that have broken apart, like food wrapping, tires, and synthetic clothing
Resin pellets: Small, round plastic pieces used in manufacturing
Microbeads: Small, manufactured plastic beads used in cosmetics and other products
Glitter: Small, shiny pieces of plastic
Seed coatings: Small pieces of plastic used to coat seeds
Microplastics can be harmful to aquatic life, birds, and humans. They can be found in: The ocean and Great Lakes, Food and beverages, Human and animal tissue, and Landfill.
How microplastics get into the environment
Microplastics can pass through water filtration systems
Microplastics can come from tires wearing down on the road
Microplastics can come from synthetic clothing being washed in a washing machine.
Microplastics can have a number of negative health effects on humans, including:
Cardiovascular disease: Microplastics have been linked to cardiovascular disease, including heart disease, stroke, and increased risk of death
Cancer: Microplastics can cause inflammation, which can lead to cancer
Endocrine disruption: Microplastics can act as endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs), which can lead to infertility, obesity, diabetes, and hormonal cancers
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Neurological symptoms: Microplastics can cause neurological symptoms like fatigue and dizziness
Respiratory disorders: Microplastics can cause respiratory disorders like asthma and hypersensitivity pneumonitis
Reproductive problems: Microplastics can cause reproductive problems like low male fertility and genital malformations
Oxidative stress: Microplastics can generate oxidative stress, which can damage cells and DNA
Neurodegenerative diseases: Microplastics can cause neurodegenerative diseases
Dementia: Microplastics can cause dementia-like behavioral and brain changes
Microplastics can enter the human body through:
Ingestion of contaminated food and water
Inhalation
Penetration through the skin via cosmetics and clothes
Airborne particles that settle on food
Note:
AI can do a lot, but it can’t plant a forest for you.
Nature’s future is still in your hands.
Let’s commit to what technology can’t replace – planting hope, one tree at a time.
Plastic bottles – gone in 1 second, but the damage lasts 450 years.
Think before you toss that plastic bottle.
Small choices today have a lasting impact on tomorrow. Switch to reusable options and help protect our planet for generations to come.
Photo credits: Envirocare Foundation
