blank

Microplastics Secretly Damage Your Health! Discover the Terrible Facts!

Understanding the dangers of microplastics is not enough for the environment, but you also need to recognize the risks of microplastics to human health.

With a size of less than 5 mm for microplastics, microplastics become particles that are very easy to lodge in our bodies and cause various kinds of negative reactions.

Our plastic bottles, sea shells, and spoons become items that are very likely to be contaminated by microplastics without us realizing it.

Then, how do microplastics enter and become a risk to human health? Check out this article to the end!

How Microplastics Get Into the Human Body

With a size that cannot be seen by the naked eye, microplastics can enter the human body through several ways.

Food and drink are the main pathways for microplastics to enter the body. These tiny particles have been found in drinking water, fish, shellfish, and even sea salt. 

Not infrequently, microplastics in the air can also be inhaled by us, especially in urban areas with high pollution levels.

In addition, cosmetic and body care products that contain microplastics, such as facial scrubs and toothpaste, can also contribute to increased exposure.

Beyond that, our tableware also has the potential to be contaminated by microplastics due to the dishwasher scrubs that we usually use too often.

Risks of Microplastics to Human Health

Currently, there have been many studies that explain the dangers or risks of microplastics to human health.

One of them is Study conducted by Yongjin Lee et al., (2023) from Yonsei University.

This study explores the effects of microplastics in various forms, types, and concentrations on human health in South Korea.

In the study, microplastics can be absorbed into the human body through the skin, the digestive system through the mouth, and respiration.

The effects of these microplastics can harm the food processing process in our digestive system. If they are less than 1 micrometer in size, they can infiltrate the bloodstream.

Microplastics have the potential to cause cancer cells because of their nature as a disruptor of the endocrine system that functions as a hormone producer for the body.

How to Reduce Microplastic Exposure

To reduce exposure to microplastics in daily life, there are several steps that you apply daily, namely:

  1. Reduce the use of single-use plastics

Reducing the consumption of plastic items such as water bottles, plastic bags, and straws can help prevent microplastics from entering the environment.

You can replace it with various products from BIOPAC that eco-friendly and plastic-free.

  1. Choose body care products without microplastics

Check the label of the cosmetic or body care product to make sure that it does not contain microplastics.

  1. Increase the consumption of fresh food

Microplastics are often found in processed foods and plastic packaging, so switching to fresh, organic foods can help reduce exposure.

Don’t forget to always process the fresh food well so that the microplastic content in it can be reduced.

  1. Use clean and quality water

Choosing filtered drinking water can help reduce the risk of ingesting microplastics.

You can use a water filter or do an advanced process before consuming it to reduce the levels of microplastics that are consumed accidentally.

With the increasing number of health risks that may be associated with exposure to microplastics, now is a great time to start transitioning to a plastic-free lifestyle.

Reducing the use of plastics, choosing more environmentally friendly products, and raising awareness of the dangers of microplastics are important steps in protecting ourselves and our environment.

Let’s start with small steps in our daily lives to create a healthier and free world from the threat of microplastics!

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Scroll to Top