Microplastics are a silent and invisible threat to our environment and health. These tiny plastic particles, measuring less than 5 millimetres in size, have infiltrated every corner of our planet, from the deepest ocean trenches to the air we breathe. As they are smaller than a strand of hair, we don’t see them.
Research reveals that humans unknowingly inhale an astonishing 16.2 microplastic particles every hour. This silent intrusion highlights a complex problem, as it becomes increasingly evident that microplastics are not only threatening our environment but our health as well. This challenge has drawn the attention of researchers worldwide.
Research is continuously being conducted to find out more about how Microplastics can damage our health and environment. It was first reported in 2022, that microplastics had been found within humans, and that we should be concerned about how we are living in a world full of plastic that is beginning to enter our bodies.
In 2004, a marine scientist at the University of Plymouth discovered tiny pieces of plastic on an English beach, which were later identified as microplastics. Since then, these particles have been found in various environments, and they have become smaller and more pervasive, even being detected in the air.
As technology advances, our ability to detect minuscule microplastics in the environment is becoming increasingly sophisticated. Researchers are becoming more aware of the presence of these microscopic plastic particles in our surroundings. Ongoing research aims to determine the level of harm that microplastics can cause to our bodies.
The core of the issue is simple: plastics, derived from crude oil and filled with chemical additives, should not infiltrate our bodies or the environment. Disturbingly, more than 10,000 chemical additives are used in plastics, with over 2,000 raising concerns about their potential toxicity, as identified in 2021.
Microplastics are a growing concern as they can contaminate our environment and bodies in multiple ways. When plastics are exposed to the elements, such as heat from the sun, they begin to decompose and break into tiny particles. These particles can then infiltrate agricultural lands, seep into our food, enter our sources of water, and even enter our atmosphere, where we breathe them in. This poses a significant threat to our health and the environment.
Plastic pollution is a major environmental issue that has a significant impact on the ecosystem and our health. This alarming statistic highlights the urgent need to reduce plastic waste generation.
To reduce plastic waste, we can start by minimising our plastic use. This can be achieved by making conscious decisions such as carrying reusable bags, water bottles, and coffee cups. Instead of buying single-use plastic products such as straws, utensils, and food containers, we can choose sustainable alternatives. Reducing plastic waste is a critical step towards protecting our environment and ensuring the health of our planet.
Mount Fuji’s Struggle
The results of a recent study conducted by scientists in Japan have brought to light an alarming discovery. The study revealed that Mount Fuji, a picturesque and iconic mountain that is often associated with natural purity and beauty, has not been spared from the harmful effects of microplastics.
The research team collected samples of cloud water from the summit of Mount Fuji and found that these samples contained minuscule particles of plastic, indicating that microplastics are present even in the most remote and pristine places on Earth. The findings serve as a stark reminder of the pervasive nature of plastic pollution and the urgent need for global action to address this critical issue.
The Auckland Discovery of Microplastics
The University of Auckland in New Zealand conducted research that revealed a startling fact. Every day, almost 5,000 microplastic particles settle on every square meter of Auckland's urban rooftops. Though this may seem insignificant, its collective impact is enormous, amounting to a staggering 74 metric tonnes annually, equivalent to around three million plastic bottles.
The research conducted in Auckland suggests that coastal winds and waves may be responsible for the presence of airborne microplastics in urban areas. This discovery raises interesting questions about the global transportation of these microplastics and how they manage to reach even the most remote corners of the world.
Recent studies conducted in Europe and other regions have exposed the presence of airborne microplastics even in environments that were previously considered pristine. These tiny particles are found in remote and untouched regions as well as towering mountain ranges. As they become more ubiquitous in our atmosphere, they can have a significant impact on Earth's climate by influencing the absorption and scattering of light and heat.
Despite the increasing amount of research on airborne microplastics, many questions remain unanswered. Scientists are working diligently to determine whether inhaling these particles has toxic effects on human health and what consequences result from their inhalation.
The discovery of microplastics has added a disturbing aspect to the plastic pollution crisis we are currently facing. It highlights the urgent need to tackle plastic pollution at its source, implement stricter regulations, and develop innovative solutions to reduce its impact. As we continue to deal with this hidden threat, we must strive to understand its effects on our health and the environment. Our battle against microplastics may not be visible, but it is a crucial fight that we must wage to preserve our planet and ensure the well-being of future generations.
