Microplastics are small particles that pose threatening problems for human and environmental health. These particles are encountered indirectly and directly in every aspect of our lives, from the sea to the air, from the soil to our food. Nowadays, it is quite possible to reduce the amount of microplastics. There are various ways to reduce microplastic exposure in our daily lives. In this article, we will mention about the importance of preventing and minimizing microplastic pollution on our health.
Microplastic pollution is much more than other environmental problems, because it directly threatens the balance of nature. This pollution is found out by the breakdown of substances released into nature, primarily through plastic waste, over time. Concurrently, microplastics come our way especially in cosmetics, industrial workings, and cleaning products. We must work both individually and socially to reduce microplastic pollution.
- Microplastics in Food: Many foods, such as seafood, spices and edible plants, can contain microplastics. As water resources are polluted by humans, aquatic creatures such as fish are also negatively affected. Thus human food chain is exposed to this pollution.
- Microplastics in Water: The rate of microplastic increases in tap water when there is no filtering mechanism. Likewise, there is a possibility that water in plastic bottles may contain microplastics, as it is not known what stages they go through or in what environments they are stored until they reach us. Water treatment plants cannot always filter out these particles.
Ways to Avoid and Reduce Microplastics
Microplastics can stem from industrial products, cosmetics, textile factory waste, and the disintegration of plastics. Microplastics decompose very slowly in nature and pose serious environmental and human health problems in the process. Avoiding microplastics requires social awareness and action beyond individual efforts. As an inevitable part of our lives, these steps will provide a more livable world. We can prevent the formation of microplastics by reducing the amount of plastic released into nature.
- Reduce Plastic Waste: The simplest way to reduce microplastic pollution is to minimize plastic consumption. For this:
- Avoid single-use plastics.
- Tend to reusable alternatives like cloth bags, glass jars and steel water bottles.
- Good Recycling Practices Recycling plastic waste with correct methods prevents their spread into nature.Recycling both protects the environment and provides economic benefits. We can contribute to this process by sorting your waste correctly and adopting a conscious consumption approach. In this way, we leave a better world to future generations. Here are the basics and microplastic reduction tips on good recycling practices:
- Separating Waste: Direct method about recycling begins with separating waste from its source.
- Don't Recycle Dirty Materials: Food waste, wax paper or dirty plastic can disrupt the recycling process. For example, greasy boxes left over from pizza cause problems in paper recycling. Dispose of such materials to organic waste or general waste bins.
- Separate Electronic Waste: Old phones, computers and other electronic devices must be recycled in a special way because of the harmful substances they contain.
- Recycle Organic Waste: You can recycle food waste by composting it. This both produces organic fertilizer and reduces the overall amount of waste.
- Pay Attention to Labels and Recycling Symbols: Recycling symbols on the packaging provide information about how the material is recycled.
- Awareness Raising and Education: Not only adopt good recycling practices yourself, but also teach the people around you. Teaching children this habit means investment of sustainable future.
- For Personal Care, Choose Products That Do Not Contain Microplastics: Personal care and cleaning products contain microplastics. To avoid these products:
- Choose plastic-free alternatives.
- Look for alternatives made from natural ingredients.
- Use Water Purification Systems: Effective water purification devices can be used to purify water from microplastics. These devices should have some absolute technologies such as nanofiltration and reverse osmosis.
- Avoid Synthetic Fabrics: Synthetic textiles (such as polyester, nylon) can release microplastics when they are washed. Instead:
- Choose natural materials such as organic cotton or linen.
- Use washing machines with microfiber filters.
- Turn on to Use Alternatives for Natural Cleaning: Use eco-friendly cleaning agents such as vinegar and baking soda instead of chemical cleaners. These substances do not contain microplastics and do not harm the environment.
Effects of Microplastics on Our Health
Although the long-term effects of microplastics on human health are still unknown, current findings are worrisome:
- Toxic Substances: Microplastics adhere to harmful chemicals and can cause these substances to go in our body system.
- Damage at the Cellular Level: Microplastics have the potential to cross the intestinal barrier and cause tissue damage.
- Hormonal Disorders: Microplastics can carry chemicals that cause hormone imbalances.
Daily Habits to Reduce Plastic Use
Individually, each individual can adopt daily habits to reduce plastic. Some of them are:
- Choose reusable steel or glass water bottles instead of plastic water bottles.
- Use cloth bags instead of plastic bags for your grocery shopping
- Use healthier and durable alternatives instead of plastic storage containers.
- Choose metal or bamboo products instead of disposable straws and cutlery.
Policies to Prevent Microplastic Pollution
Governments play a critical role in struggling with microplastic pollution. Enacting laws that support microplastic prevention and recycling efforts contribute to an eco-friendly future. Additionally, legal regulations restricting the sale of products containing microplastics are also important.
Microplastic Analysis and Its Importance
Advanced analysis methods are used to detect microplastics:
- The types and amounts of plastic are determined by Spectroscopy and Microscopy.
- The presence of microplastics in human tissues and organs is examined by Mass Spectrometry
These analyzes are very important in terms of microplastics and health. Microplastics are an invisible danger found in every aspect of our daily lives. We can prevent this problem by reducing plastic consumption, supporting recycling and making conscious product choices. Taking action to reduce plastic waste at both individual and societal levels is essential for a healthy future.
