Joseph
by Mayukh Saha
What are microplastics? How are they created? What is its impact on the environment and human health? Can it be eradicated from the planet?
These questions have begun to haunt the human mind and we need immediate answers. Hence, a well-structured, in-depth and immediate research is required on microplastics. Only through extensive research can one provide answers regarding the microplastics afflicting our environment.
Microplastics pollute the air we breathe, the food we consume, and the water we drink. They are scattered in the deepest bodies of water around the world. They have also reached the highest mountains on the planet. It is found in insects, corals, fish, whales, and most other living things. Additionally, their presence is also shown within Human placenta.
In short, microplastics are ubiquitous. However, we still have to know its effects or consequences.
The concern about microplastics resonated
Recently, there was an urgent call for investigations into the impact of microplastics on human health. This is due to the amazing accumulation of small plastic particles in all of Earth’s environments. Additionally, there are several worrisome signs of environmental toxins and it is a study of animal toxicology. As a result, the World Health Organization (WHO) raised similar concerns earlier in 2019.
Duncan McGillivray is a chemist at the University of Auckland. He made some important observations and made important observations in light of the reports issued by the World Health Organization. He stated that we do not have enough information about microplastics and their effects on human health. Accordingly, we should not be alarmed by its effects nor should we relax. Urgent research is the only way forward with this matter.
Juliette Legler from Utrecht University in the Netherlands and Dick Vitak from Vrije Universiteit in Amsterdam. They recently published their observations in a paper titled “Point of view‘ In the Science magazine. The article gives a warning about massive microplastic contamination, inhalation, and ingestion.
Additionally, the article tells us that microplastics could become another huge health crisis for humans. Legler and Fithack explain the extent of ignorance of these microscopic synthetic elements and their effect on our organ functions.
A methodology for studying small synthetic particles
Microplastics have not shown any kind of immediate or severe toxicity to humans or organisms across the planet until many years later. However, the potential for adverse effects is from the minute to date Increasing influences, Increased concentrations and long-term exposure to small synthetic molecules is worryingly unknown.
Researchers have discovered a potential threat to microplastics. Microplastics larger than humans are easily disposed of in a similar fashion to food waste. On the other hand, smaller particles pose a bigger problem of toxicity.
Chelsea Rochman and Kennedy Bucci are environmental scientists at the University of Toronto. They wrote a review on Small Synthetics in 2020 in Conversation. They explained that studies are more effective for detecting the effect using smaller items.
They further demonstrated that small organisms easily consume the smallest particles. Particles move throughout cell membranes. This causes harmful effects including inflammation. As a result, detection of the effects of small particles becomes more transparent.
The gray area in the study of fine particles
Leggler and Fithack have repeatedly emphasized that we still do not fully know the level of exposure to synthetic particles. The size of the nanoparticles is less than 1 mm while the small fine particles are less than 10 mm.
They explain that the biggest problem is the lack of appropriate technology to properly isolate, clarify, and detect nanoparticles and fine particles. They stated that the dose-dependent effect in humans remains unknown.
In addition, culture research conducted on human cells, aquatic species and rodents indicates transmission of fine particles below 10 mm. Displacement occurs between the lymph and the blood circulation. It causes systemic exposure as well as accumulation in brain, kidney and liver tissues.
However, size is not a major problem in research methodology. Legler and Vethaak have given a word of caution regarding seemingly inaccurate tissue exposure studies. This is due to testing of new fine particles inside the laboratory facility.
Recent advances in microplastics studies
A recent review showed that there are risks of degradation and variation in the behavior of microplastics after entering living bodies. Research has cited studies explaining the way macrophages or waste disposal cells more easily capture environmentally degrading microplastics. However, virgin microplastics are not easily collected.
Rodent and human cell cultures revealed a degree of toxicity such as cell damage, inflammation, immune response, metabolic and neurological influences. This toxicity is often seen at very high exposures.
Textile Plastic workers are often victims of conditions such as allergies and infections. This is because they are regularly exposed to a large amount of plastic dust.
We must also take into account that microplastics may evade other toxic hazards such as bacteria or viruses. It can also affect our microbiome. Presence of phthalates and fire retardants in animal tissues. However, its effects are still unknown.
Plastic particle research has given the opposite results and many factors are still unknown.
Source: Truth theory
Hey! I am Mayukh. I help people and websites with content, videos, design and social media management. I am a passionate traveler and have been living as a digital nomad in Europe since 2019. I am currently working on www.noetbook.com Creative Media Company. You can contact me at any time: [email protected]
Image credits: David Pereira Villagro
