Microplastic particles, found in almost every aspect of our lives, are divided into two groups in terms of their formation. Briefly, these groups are as follows:
Primary Microplastics: This is the group that includes very small sized plastics in the cosmetics, textile and cleaning sectors.
Secondary Microplastics: This is the group that includes large-sized plastics wearing out and turning into micro-sized plastics. For example, the plastic water bottles we use in our daily lives or the plastic bags we use in markets are some of the most commonly used types of such plastics.
In addition, there are also nanoplastics with sizes of 1 nm - 1 um among the microplastic groups. Nanoplastics, which can only be seen with a microscope, have a negative impact on human health.
There are too many microplastics in the environment. According to a research conducted by experts, the fruit with the highest microplastic rate is apple, with nearly 200 thousand microplastics. In the vegetable category, broccoli and carrots have the closest microplastic rate to apples. In addition, seas and oceans are among the areas with the highest microplastic pollution. All kinds of waste thrown into water negatively affects the life of seafood products that provide unique flavors in our kitchens. Because aquatic creatures may consume microplastics thrown into the water. According to a research, approximately half of the creatures in Türkiye's waters, such as mullet, bonito, anchovy and mussels, contain microplastics.
There are many studies showing that microplastics, found in many things in daily life, negatively affect health. Even though some studies show that they do not affect human health in any way, the majority do not deny that microplastics are harmful. Disorders such as cognitive development disorders, cancer, obesity, reproductive problems and birth defects reveal the harmful effects of microplastics in research.
Although the health problems that microplastics directly cause in the human body are not yet fully known, everyone knows that plastics negatively affect the environment and marine life. Microplastic toxicity is a serious danger to both human health and nature. In research on the effects of microplastics on nature, the following issues have been specifically mentioned;
Although these health effects of microplastics are ignored by some, scientists are very sensitive about microplastics and human health. In order to reduce microplastic pollution in nature, everyone should pay due attention to plastic recycling.
The most effective way to reduce microplastic damage on human health and environmental cleanliness is to reduce the use of plastic. For example, everyone can use cloth bags instead of disposable plastic bags for grocery shopping. Additionally, products with larger weights can be preferred rather than products with small packages. Thus, by reducing the number of packaged products, an important step is taken to reduce the effects of microplastic pollution.
Another important aspect in reducing microplastic pollution is recycling. Collecting plastic waste in a separate box at home and workplace, going through the necessary processes and reusing it is an effective solution in this regard. In addition, increasing the support to recycling by raising awareness of other people in the environment about this issue is very important in terms of cleanliness and economy.
Due to the intense use of plastic materials in daily life, the damage caused by microplastics and the chemical danger they contain are clearly visible. Many studies show the risk of microplastics in water and on land being ingested by many creatures. One of the clearest examples is birds that die with their stomachs full of plastic. Similarly, many marine creatures are forced to swallow these microplastic particles, and this can have fatal consequences.
Plastics, which take centuries to simply decompose in nature, also take a very long time to reach micro dimensions. Microplastics emerge when different types of plastics deteriorate and break down. The main ones are as follows:
Vehicle tires wear out over time due to friction while driving on the road and scatter small particles. Additionally, not using a tire all year round may require the production of more vehicle tires, resulting in more processed plastic material being released into the environment.
Synthetic fibers such as polyester and nylon used in the clothing industry are widely preferred, especially in sportswear. When these clothes are washed in the washing machine, small fiber particles fall out and fill the machine's filter. In cases where the filter is not sufficient, these particles may mix with the water through sewage.
Microplastics can penetrate the human body in many ways, and this poses serious health risks to human health. Saniter is an expert company with high quality standards in microplastic analysis. Thanks to the analysis of microplastics, which pose a great threat to human, animal and environmental health, it is possible to use cleaner products. By visiting Saniter's website, you can reach accurate analysis results in a short time. Saniter continues to stand out in the industry by always exhibiting a quality and trust-oriented approach in analysis services.
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