Plastic is everywhere, even on our bodies. In fact, according to a study carried out by the University of Newcastle (Australia), while we breathe, eat or drink we are ingesting plastic, around 2,000 microplastics every week . That is, the equivalent of a credit card.
Investigation Development
The University of Newcastle included 52 previous studies in its research, of which 33 analyzed the consumption of plastics through food and beverages. These studies evidenced a list of foods and beverages that contain microplastics, including drinking water, beer, shellfish, and salt.
In addition, the largest source of plastic ingestion is found in drinking water around the world, both tap and bottled. In this way, an average person can consume up to 1769 plastic particles a week just from water.
Also, some plastics contain chemicals that can affect people’s health. For example, some materials are known to affect fertility and the development of certain cancers. Airborne microplastics also contain pollutants, as they can carry metals or polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (molecules found in coal, gasoline, oil, or garbage).
Now, the challenge for scientists is to understand exactly how microplastics affect human health in the long term.
The plastics industry
Ever since plastic production took off in 1950, manufacturers tried to convince citizens that they could easily dispose of a product that lasts forever. Thus, it was featured in advertising campaigns as if it had a relatively short life. Currently, 40% of plastic is destined for packaging, although alternatives are already being sought to avoid unnecessary packaging.
Plastic production has exploded since the 1950s. In fact, if the estimated figures are reached, its manufacture could increase by 40% by 2030. On the other hand, the plastics industry tried to sell the idea that recycling was the solution, despite the fact that it has long been It has long been known that it is necessary to reduce the amount of plastic we consume per year.
Silence also contributes to the industry, as it prevents people from reflecting on the current problem. Thus, this silence prevents us from considering something as basic as that companies should be responsible for the pollution they generate, regardless of the country in which they are located.
