Brushing teeth in the morning, drinking bottled water, dust or daily food on the way to the office—these common habits of daily life—true plastic particles or microplastics are entering the human body unknowingly.
Although not seen with the naked eye, the presence of these particles has been detected in human blood, lungs, liver, placenta and even brain tissue. Beyond the environmental problem, it has now become a major public health concern.
What is Microplastic?
Microplastics are less than five millimeters of plastic particles. They are made in two ways:
Small-scale plastic particles have been produced in the industry since the beginning.
Plastic bottles, polythene, food wrapping, tires, synthetic fabrics and various plastic products break down into small particles due to sunshine, heat, abrasion and environmental effects.
Once it is spread in the environment, these particles do not be easily destroyed and enter the food chain from the soil, rivers, seas and air for a long time.
How does it get into the body?
According to experts, microplastics enter the body in three ways:
Through food (fish, salt, tea bags, some food products)
Through water (water and tap water)
Breathing (small plastic particles floating in the air)
In addition, plastic particles can be mixed with food and drink even if hot food is kept in plastic containers or stored in plastic bottles for a long time.
Why is there growing concern.
According to the study, microplastics are not only plastic particles, but also various chemicals that are present in it. The potential risks that scientists are talking about include:
Inflammation and cell damage
Oxidative Stress
Hormonal imbalance
Loss of balance of the intestinal germs
The Problem of Reproductive Health
Increased risk of heart disease
However, experts believe that more research is needed on the long-term health effects.
Who’s most at risk?
Children
Pregnant Women
Elderly Person
People with long-term illness
Children’s bodies, in particular, may have a significant impact on them.
Why is there a new discussion in Bangladesh?
The recent detection of microplastics in toothpaste, soybean oil and milk sold in the country’s market has come up with a fresh discussion. The researchers say that insufficient management of plastic waste, widespread use of single-use plastics, and the limitations of recycling are increasing this pollution.
Is it possible to avoid it altogether?
In the current situation, it is almost impossible to completely avoid microplastics. However, it is possible to reduce the amount of access to the body by increasing awareness.
What you can do to reduce the risk
Use glass or stainless steel bottles and food pots.
Do not keep hot food in plastic containers or heat.
Reduce the use of single-use plastic.
Use safe and secure water.
Clean the dust in the house regularly.
Use cotton and natural fibers instead of synthetics.
Be aware of the ingredients before buying toothpaste and cosmetics.
Focus on the disposal and recycling of plastic waste.
Microplastics are not visible, but its effects are becoming increasingly apparent. According to experts, in addition to personal awareness, effective policies on the use of plastics, advanced waste management, strict industrial surveillance and more scientific research are the main ways to reduce the risk of this invisible pollution.