Most of us are well aware of the problem of plastic as a growing environmental crisis polluting our land, water and air, harming wildlife and ecosystems. But do you understand the human health problems directly attributable to microplastics and the toxins released by plastics? Read below to learn more, sign petitions, and discover what actions you can take to mitigate the plastic crisis. (Material below from www.beyondplastics.org)
PLASTICS AND HUMAN HEALTH
Over 98% of plastics are made from fossil carbons such as oil and gas. Turning these substances into plastics involves the addition of petrochemical additives – quite a lot of them. Over 13,000 chemicals are known to be involved in the production of plastic. More than 2300 of these are “chemicals of concern.” Scroll down for more information you won't want to miss!
Reports and Studies: (Click on title to see full article)
Microplastics in the bloodstream can induce cerebral thrombosis by causing cell obstruction and lead to neurobehavioral abnormalities Circulating microplastics (MPs) are phagocytosed and can lead to obstruction in the capillaries of the brain cortex. These blockages cause reduced blood flow and neurological abnormalities in mice. The data reveal a mechanism by which MPs disrupt tissue function indirectly through regulation of cell obstruction and interference with local blood circulation.
Effects of Microplastic Exposure on Human Digestive, Reproductive, and Respiratory Health: A Rapid Systematic Review Microplastics are suspected to harm human reproductive, digestive, and respiratory health, with a suggested link to colon and lung cancer. Future research on microplastics should investigate additional health outcomes impacted by microplastic exposure and identify strategies to reduce exposure.
Presence of microplastics in human stomachs
This study presents the first definitive confirmation of microplastic presence in the human stomach, based on samples from 26 cadavers. 97 microplastic particles were extracted from stomach contents, across all 26 individuals, revealing a universal prevalence of microplastics in the cadavers.
Reports and Studies: (Click on title to see full article)
Microplastics in the bloodstream can induce cerebral thrombosis by causing cell obstruction and lead to neurobehavioral abnormalities Circulating microplastics (MPs) are phagocytosed and can lead to obstruction in the capillaries of the brain cortex. These blockages cause reduced blood flow and neurological abnormalities in mice. The data reveal a mechanism by which MPs disrupt tissue function indirectly through regulation of cell obstruction and interference with local blood circulation.
Effects of Microplastic Exposure on Human Digestive, Reproductive, and Respiratory Health: A Rapid Systematic Review Microplastics are suspected to harm human reproductive, digestive, and respiratory health, with a suggested link to colon and lung cancer. Future research on microplastics should investigate additional health outcomes impacted by microplastic exposure and identify strategies to reduce exposure.
Presence of microplastics in human stomachs
This study presents the first definitive confirmation of microplastic presence in the human stomach, based on samples from 26 cadavers. 97 microplastic particles were extracted from stomach contents, across all 26 individuals, revealing a universal prevalence of microplastics in the cadavers.
Take a Deeper Dive, below, to explore specific Hazards and actions (From www.beyondplastics.org)
Chemical recycling is a dangerous deception that will NOT solve our plastic pollution problem, and contributes dangerous chemicals in its processing. Get the facts.
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When food or beverages are microwaved in plastic containers, chemical additives from inside the plastic migrate into the food and tiny flecks of plastic known as micro- and nanoplastics are also shed into the food. Both of these can present health risks.
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The Problems with Expanded Polystyrene
Toxins in polystyrene readily leach into food and drinks, accelerated by heat and contact with fatty and acidic foods. And polystyrene can persist in the environment for more than 1 MILLION YEARS! Americans use 25 billion polystyrene cups per year. With alternatives readily available, it’s time for a change.
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If you are consuming small portions of cheese wrapped in plastic, you are ingesting more than just cheese. Many hazardous plasticizers are “lipophilic,” meaning they are drawn to and readily absorbed by substances high in lipids — aka fat. Cheese and other dairy items readily absorb these migrating chemicals.
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Vinyl chloride is a carcinogenic chemical used to make polyvinyl chloride (PVC) plastic. Vinyl chloride is found in PVC pipes; vinyl siding, windows and flooring; packaging; furniture and car parts; children's toys, pet toys, shower curtains, credit cards, gift cards and many other consumer goods.
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The problem with "compostables"
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Are you using bioplastics and "compostable" utensils and cups? We're sorry to inform you that they may actually be worse than plastic. Compostable plastic is engineered to fully decompose under certain conditions that can only happen in an industrial composting facility, something that few cities and even fewer towns have. Since they can't be recycled, most "compostable" utensils end up in the trash and will be around for decades or even centuries to come. Learn more here.
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take action online by signing petitions - click on "READ MORE"
A single tea bag can release 11+ billion microplastic particles into your cuppa. Urge major tea companies to switch to completely plastic-free packaging. READ MORE
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A December 2021 report estimates that Amazon generated 599 million pounds of plastic packaging waste in 2020- a 29% from 2019. Up to 23.5 million lbs of this plastic packaging waste entered and polluted the world’s waterways and oceans. Add your name now to ask Amazon to STOP polluting our planet with single-use plastic packaging. READ MORE
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PVC (polyvinyl chloride) plastic is primarily used in building materials. Unfortunately, it’s made vinyl chloride, carcinogenic chemical that’s linked to liver, blood, lung and brain cancers. Urge the world’s biggest retailer to stop selling PVC products and packaging. READ MORE
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Coca-Cola, PepsiCo & Nestlé were the top 3 biggest sources of plastic pollution in the 2019 brand audits in 42 countries. Ask them to stop using the single-use plastic packaging that's polluting our planet. READ MORE
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Send this letter to urge stores to phase out single-use plastic packaging. Hint: the customer is always right! READ MORE
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Urge major food delivery companies to switch single-use plastic utensils, condiments, straws and paper napkins to opt-in only! READ MORE
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10 simple strategies, switches and steps you can take to refuse single-use and get closer to zero waste.
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take action in your community (from www.beyondplastics.org)
Plastic bottles are clogging our oceans, rivers, streets, landfills & poisoning our air when they're burned in incinerators. Convince the management to replace the plastic bottles in your local vending machine with drinks sold in truly recyclable aluminum cans or glass bottles. READ MORE
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Artificial Turf (plastic grass) is a massive source of microplastics and PFAS pollution that’s associated with heat islands and injuries. Protect your community by stopping an installation in progress or proactively enacting a ban or moratorium on the installation of artificial turf. READ MORE
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Hosting a screening of an award winning documentary is a powerful tool to educate and inspire action to reduce plastic pollution. See our recommendations to build awareness and spark engagement in your community. READ MORE
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Share guidance, information and resources to help convince your local dry cleaning establishments move beyond single-use plastics. READ MORE
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Plastic packaging is the single largest source of plastic waste and it’s also one that we can do without. Send a message to your local chain super market that you want them to decrease packaging and increase bulk and refillables.
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Restaurants produce a great deal of single-use plastic trash but reusables and better systems are not only possible, but can even offer savings. Share guidance, information and resources to help convince your local dining establishments to refuse single-use. READ MORE
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Single-use plastic water bottles are clogging our oceans, rivers, streets, landfills & poisoning our air when they're burned in incinerators. Urge your local airport or government office to ban the sale of bottled water.
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Help your local Meals on Wheels program switch from damaging, single-use disposable plastic trays and dishes to reusable ones. Reusables save the programs money and reduce waste - a win-win for the programs and the planet. READ MORE
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