Plastic particles smaller than 5 mm in size are called microplastics. In our world, where plastic waste increases day by day, plastics released into the environment are physically broken into small particles by the influence of many factors such as sunlight, wind, living creatures and waves. In addition, these small particles are found in many products used by almost everyone, such as cosmetics, oral care products, paints and detergents. Microplastics in personal care products act as abrasives and texture regulators. One of the most intriguing questions is how microplastics affect human health.
The harmful effects of microplastics on human health occur through oral, respiratory and dermal routes. These small particles, which pose serious risks to human health, also pose a life threat to creatures living in the seas and oceans. One of the most common ways people are exposed to microplastics is orally. Because this is inner in the toothpastes we frequently use in our daily lives. Hidden plastics in toothpaste, which is an indispensable oral care product especially for whitening and cleaning, may cause some health problems due to the microplastics it contains. That's why experts and dentists recommend oral care products that contain natural ingredients and do not contain plastic. Some of the hidden types of plastic in toothpaste are Microplastics, Polyethylene, Polypropylene, Polymethylmethacrylate.
Almost everything we use consciously or unconsciously contains plastic particles. One of the most important of these is the plastic particles in toothpaste. We can briefly explain toothpaste and the plastic particles in it as follows;
Microplastics take on the task of cleaning, whitening and providing thick consistency in toothpastes. Their structures are small, round and similar to natural components. There is a risk of swallowing these particles, which are one of the main ingredients of toothpastes, while brushing. If swallowed, these particles may cause health problems in the human body.
Polyethylene, the most common type of microplastic, is used extensively in oral care products and personal care products. Polyethylene is both insoluble in water and non-biodegradable when discharged into the environment. Thus, it damages water resources, which are the key to life for many living things. That's why experts recommend that we turn to biodegradable alternatives when purchasing personal care products and many other products.
Polypropylene is a type of plastic that is widely used in everything from the automotive industry to the personal care industry. One of the reasons why it is used in such a wide range is its durability. Although this durability provides an advantage in terms of use, it carries serious risks because it cannot be dissolved in water, just like polyethylene.
Polymethylmethacrylate is used extensively in the field of oral health with its durability, optical whiteness, processability and transparent structure. It generally serves as a denture, whitening or polishing agent in dental care products. Harmful effects of such microplastics may also occur depending on use.
Experts recommend the use of microplastic-free oral care products to reduce the effects of microplastics, which have caused increasing health problems in recent years. These care products are more sensitive to the environment and human health due to the natural ingredients and herbal ingredients. These products are also among the most sustainable oral care options.
Microplastics are used extensively in cosmetic products as well as oral care products. These particles are generally used in the cosmetic industry to give the skin a smooth feeling, soften the consistency of the products, abrade and provide shine. However, the environmental impact of microplastics is gradually increasing, so this is a worrying situation.
The main skin care products containing microplastics are shampoos, hair conditioners, peeling creams, facial make-ups and other skin care products. Microbeads in facial brushes are used to cleanse the skin and remove dead cells. These particles are preferred because they give the skin a smooth structure. Microplastics in shampoos and hair care products give the hair a shiny and vibrant appearance. Microplastics also provide vibrant colors in other make-up products such as lipstick and foundation.
Toxic microplastics can cause skin problems and endocrine disorders on human health. These small particles accumulated on the skin can cause inflammation, clogged pores and allergic reactions. Additionally, microplastics may contain some chemicals that negatively affect hormones. These chemicals can also cause serious damage to the endocrine system.
The areas that microplastics have the most intense impact on the environment are water pollution and biological degradation. These particles, which are contained in many products we use in daily life, mix with natural water resources and harm the environment. Microplastics, which reach water sources especially through washing from skin products, pose a life-threatening risk of being swallowed by aquatic creatures. While this situation poses a direct risk to marine creatures, it also indirectly poses life-threatening risks to people who consume seafood. From a biological perspective, some microplastics last months or years to decompose in nature. Therefore, unconsciously throwing microplastics into the environment will increase environmental pollution. Reducing plastic waste in cosmetics will reduce vital risks to the health of both humans and other living things.
In recent years, many attempts have been made to reduce plastic pollution in cosmetics. The development of environmentally friendly products is supported by laws and legal regulations.Instead of products with high microplastic content, products containing natural materials, natural cures, aluminum silicates and organic ingredients should be used. Banning microplastics and using alternatives is very important in the development of a sustainable cosmetics industry. Both producers and consumers need to be more careful in order not to harm nature and human health.
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