Microplastics - How can they affect me?
Microplastics have become a major environmental concern in recent years due to their devastating impacts on marine life, ecosystems, and human health. As a result, scientists are now discovering that microplastics may also be causing cancer.
Microplastics are tiny pieces of plastic debris that is less than five millimeters in size. They come from several sources, including discarded plastic products, the breakdown of larger plastic items, and even sewage and industrial waste. Microplastics are easily ingested by marine life, where they can enter the food chain and eventually make their way into humans.Once ingested, microplastics can leach chemicals such as phthalates and bisphenol A (BPA) into the body.
These chemicals are known to disrupt the endocrine system and are linked to cancer, reproductive disorders, and other serious health issues. In addition, microplastics also contain carcinogenic compounds such as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). PAHs are known to damage DNA and are linked to an increased risk of cancer. Unfortunately, microplastics are now found in nearly every corner of the world’s oceans, from the deepest depths to the most remote areas. This means that these tiny pieces of plastic are now found in seafood, drinking water, and even the air we breathe.
The best way to reduce our exposure to microplastics is to reduce our reliance on single-use plastics and to properly dispose of any plastic products that are no longer needed. This will help to reduce the amount of microplastics entering our environment and eventually our bodies.While the long-term health implications of microplastics are still unknown, it is clear that they can have serious impacts on our health.
It is critical that we take action to reduce our exposure to microplastics and protect ourselves from the potential cancer-causing effects.
Microplastics are an insidious problem that needs to be addressed. We can reduce the amount of microplastics entering the environment by limiting our use of single-use plastics and encouraging the use of biodegradable alternatives.
Additionally, microplastics are added purposefully in a variety of products, from cosmetics and personal care products to clothing and synthetic fabrics. These tiny particles are also released into the environment as a result of plastic waste breaking down into smaller pieces.
Unfortunately, these particles have the potential to be absorbed into our skin and hair, where they can cause a variety of health issues.
The good news is that there are now many skin and hair care products on the market that do not contain microplastics. Natural and organic products are becoming increasingly popular, and manufacturers are responding to this demand by offering products that are free from synthetic ingredients, including microplastics.
When shopping for skin and hair care products, it is important to read the labels carefully to ensure that they are free from microplastics. You can also look for products that are certified organic or that use natural ingredients. By making sure that you are using products that are free from microplastics, you can help to protect the environment and your own health.
When it comes to skin and hair care, microplastics are known by many different names, including polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), and nylon. These plastics are generally too small to be seen with the naked eye, measuring between 0.2 and 5 mm in size.
PE is the most commonly used type of microplastic in skin and hair care products. It is used as an abrasive exfoliant, and is also found in many body washes, scrubs and face masks. PP is often used as a thickening agent and a texturizer, and can be found in many shampoos, conditioners, and styling products.
PET, on the other hand, is a clear plastic that is used to add shine and gloss to products. It is found in many hair styling gels and mousses, and can also be used as a water-resistant coating for sunscreens. Finally, nylon is typically used to add texture to products, and can be found in many body scrubs and exfoliants.
You can download an app called BTMB (Beat the micro bead) and scan products to see if they contain microplastics and soon you'll be able to order microplastic free hair and skin care on my website.
For those of you in The Netherlands, my sister and brother in law have a website that sells 100% microplastic free products so check them out on www.marijkeschoice.nl
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