Are You Eating Microplastics? How it Affects Health

Are you eating microplastics? A question that is haunting the world due to the rising problems from the consumption of microplastics. Recent studies show its presence in food, water and even in air that we breathe. Have you ever thought where those tiny pieces of plastic go after they break? These particles are so minute that they can't even be seen with naked eye. The world is currently facing severe threat because these tiny plastic particles are now ending up inside our bodies. This article examines the presence of microplastics everywhere and how they are harming our health.

Microplastics are produced when big plastic things like bottles, bags and packaging break down into smaller pieces and this happens when sunlight, wind and water wear them down. For cleaning products and scrubs microplastics are even created on purpose. These tiny pieces are scattered through water and air to different places. Scientists have found them in everywhere on earth likeoceans, rivers, soil and even in the food we eat. Microplastics are everywhere because plastic is used in many products that we use every day. Even when we throw plastic away it keeps breaking into smaller pieces and spreading.

Yes it is shocking truth that microplastics are finding their way into our bodies as well through food and water and you will not believe that recent studies have shown that fish, shellfish, salt, honey and even fruits and vegetables can contain microplastics and this happens because plastic waste ends up in the oceans and rivers from where these foods grow or live. When we drink tap or bottled water there is a higher probability that we may also be swallowing microplastics. Even the air we breathe can have tiny pieces of plastic that we inhale. Scientists are still learning how much microplastic we eat or breathe each day, but it is clear that we are being exposed to it without even knowing.

When we talk about microplastic it is not only just tiny pieces of plastic, it has potential to carry chemicals that are harmful like pesticides and even metals. And when these chemicals and particles enter our bodies they create problems. These are such a harmful components that even some scientist believe that microplastics capable of creating inflammation inside the body. Inflammation is when the body becomes swollen or irritated and it can lead to diseases like asthma, heart problems and even cancer. Microplastics can mess up how our body works because some plastics have bad stuff that can make our body not work right. Scientists are still learning how bad it is, but it is better to be safe and not get too much of it.

As microplastics are everywhere, it is to an extent impossible to avoid them completely but yes there are steps to protect ourselves. So if one wants to reduce the threat of microplastic they should starts using products which are made up of metal, glass or paper. Avoid using single use plastic items like straws and plastic bags and when buying food it is better to choose fresh fruits and vegetables instead of packaged ones. Drinking filtered water can also help reduce the amount of plastic particles we consume. It is very important to spread teaching and awareness to address this rising problem to create a healthier tomorrow. Every person including government, scientists all need to work side by side to stop plastic from entering in our bodies and nature.

The world we are living in microplastics are a secret threat that silently polluting our food, air and water. Even though we cannot see them they are harming our health in many ways and scientists are still learning about the risks but it is clear that we must act now to protect ourselves and the planet. If we use less plastic and pick safer things, we can help stop the problem. Even small steps are good to keep us and the Earth healthy. Let’s start today and work together to stop microplastics from taking over our lives.