What would you think if we told you that we swallowed an average of 3,800 plastic particles in a day while avoiding eating on plastic plates for our health?
Did you know that the tiny particles in the face cleansing gels and toothpastes that are standing on the shelves of the supermarket are not as innocent as they seem at all? If you don't know, here is the fact: these mini-tiny plastic particles pollute millions of tons of water every year, contaminate the agricultural land and thus the agricultural products, and even get into the air we breathe.
We have researched for you what you need to know about the invisible danger “microplastics” which is created by the plastic waste problem that threatens our planet.
What are microplastics?
In order to better understand the damages of microplastics that threaten human health and the environment insidiously, it is useful to first explain what a microplastic is. Microplastics are called plastic particles that are smaller than 5 mm in size and cause pollution by mixing water sources, oceans and soil. Microplastics, which are formed by the disintegration of large plastic wastes by external effects such as wind, rain, wave power and UV rays, can also be directly involved in the contents of some cleaning and cosmetic products. Since they are smaller than 5 mm in size, these harmful particles can be easily mixed with seas, rivers, soil and even air, making up 90 percent of the pollution factor in the oceans.
Microplastics Give the Greatest Damage to Our Hormones
When it comes to the damages of microplastics, the first thing that comes to mind is the dead sea turtles and waterfowl which have hundreds of microplastic fragments in their stomachs. Sea creatures, which have to swallow these particles due to the intense microplastic pollution in the oceans, lose their lives after not being able to tolerate these foreign substances. These losses are actually the only visible side of the damage that microplastics cause. Because microplastics, unfortunately, also causes much more severe biological damages besides these physical damages mentioned.
Particularly, these invisible parts, which get apart from plastic kitchen utensils and plastic packaged products and mix with our foods, contain harmful chemicals that disrupt the endocrine system. It is even reported that BPA, which is frequently found in plastic demijohns and cheap plastic containers, can be found in urine, blood, breast milk and tissue samples. Substances such as di-octyl phthalate (DnOP) and di-2-ethylhexyl phthalate (DEHP), which are also widely used in plastic production, are associated with certain types of cancer and reproductive disorders.
The effects of microplastics on human health, which can also be found in edible salt obtained from the sea, refined water and seafood such as mussels, are under control for the time being. However, it is thought that this situation may create more dangers in the following years.
Is a life free of microplastics possible?
As a matter of fact, since microplastics are mixed with seas and drinking water sources, a life completely free from them does not seem possible. However, of course there are many measures that can be taken to minimize exposure to these particles and to protect the nature from this insidious danger.
● Avoid packaged food as much as possible. Turn to non-industrial foods. Wash your vegetables and fruit in water added vinegar.
● Never buy shower gel, facial wash gel, toothpaste and cosmetics containing microparticles.
● Collect your plastic waste separately for recycling.
● Try to use cloth bags and nets for your shopping.
● When choosing drinking water, choose those sold in the glass carboy. If you have plastic carboys, look for BPA-free carboys.
● Consider using alternatives such as natural rock salt and Himalayan salt instead of sea salt.
● Instead of synthetic and particulate laundry / dishwashing detergents, try using natural ingredients such as carbonate, borax, natural soap powder and lemon salt.
● Avoid all textile products containing polyester fibres. Also, turn to natural woven products such as cotton, linen and silk.
