Hyderabad: In what should ring alarm bells in the minds of people, studies have found that humans consume as much as 50 grams of plastic a week and around 250 grams every month.
Micro plastics enter into our bodies along through the water we drink Researchers from New Castle University of Australia have identified that packaged water bottles are releasing micro plastics into drinking water. The micro plastics enter into our bodies along through the water we drink. It was also found that plastic enters our bodies through the consumption of fish, beer, and even sea salt. Additionally, snails and dust particles are also a source of plastic contamination.
Do you know?
- Production of plastic has unusually increased in the past two decades.
- According to the latest report from the grand view research, plastic industry will grow 4 per cent a year till 2025.
- Micro plastics are extensively used in the manufacturing sector, industry and 3D printing.
- More than 75 per cent of plastics manufactured are turning into non-biodegradable wastes.
- Nearly ten crore tons of plastic wastes is being generated each year. Rivers are carrying nearly 24 lakh tonnes of plastic to the ocean every year.
But is it dangerous to human health?
- No in-depth research has been conducted till date on the extent of harm plastic causes to human health.
- Upon entering into the human digestive system, micro plastic granules tend to release toxins into the digestive system.
- When fish consume micro plastic, the waste tends to enter their brain and thus alter their behavior. However, it is yet to be proved that plastics can enter the human brain.
How to keep plastic in control
- Instead of use-and-throw plastic carry bags and bottles, utilise thicker bottles and carry bags.
- Do not allow dust to accumulate at your house.
- As far as possible, consume purified salt.
- Do not drink contaminated water.
How does plastic get into the human body?
- Contaminated sea food. Oceans and other water sources are accumulating huge quantities of plastic wastes. Fishes are consuming the small pieces of plastic from those wastes. Plastic is entering into the human food chain in this fashion.
- Tyres are the source of 28 per cent plastic particles in water resources. These granules are entering water sources through rain water.
- Polyester jackets made of polymers are a big source of plastic particles. Nearly 1900 plastic particles are released into the atmosphere whenever a jacket is washed.
- Micro plastic has also become a part of sea salt. Every time we consume sea salt, some plastic particles enter our body.
Plastic posing a grave threat
Plastic is not only contaminating oceans and other water sources, but also posing a threat to human health. To prevent plastic from entering our body we should stop dumping millions of tons of plastic into the environment.
