Microplastics may become the next epidemic?

According to reports from the US "Medical News Today" website and the official website of the United Nations, microplastics are "ubiquitous", but they do not necessarily pose a threat to human health. Maria Nella, head of the WHO Department of Public Health, Environmental and Social Determinants, said: "We have found that this substance is present in the marine environment, food, air and drinking water. According to the limited information we have, drinking water The microplastics in China do not seem to pose a health threat at current levels. However, we urgently need to learn more about the impact of microplastics on health."

What is microplastics?

Plastic particles with a diameter of less than 5 mm are generally called "microplastics" (particles with a diameter of less than 100 nanometers or even smaller than viruses are also called "nanoplastics"). The mini size means they can easily swim in rivers and water.

Where do they come from?

First of all, large pieces of plastic will shatter and decompose over time and become microplastics; some industrial products themselves contain microplastics: microplastic abrasives are common in products such as toothpaste and facial cleansers. Fiber shedding of chemical fiber products in daily life and debris from tire friction are also one of the sources. The United States has already banned the addition of microplastics in skin care and personal care products in 2015.

Where do you gather the most?

Microplastics can be carried into the ocean by waste water and swallowed by marine animals. Over time, this may cause microplastics to accumulate in these animals. According to data from the "Plastic Ocean" organization, more than 8 million tons of plastic flows into the ocean every year.

A study in 2020 tested 5 different types of seafood and found that each sample contained microplastics. In the same year, a study tested two kinds of fish in a river and found that 100% of the test samples contained microplastics. Microplastics have sneaked into our menu.

Microplastics will flow up the food chain. The closer the animal is to the top of the food chain, the higher the likelihood of ingesting microplastics.