Microplastics

Negotiations are underway in Geneva on a legally binding Global Plastics Treaty that has been in the works for several years, as the crisis of pollution from plastics worldwide has grown more acute. An estimated 8 billion metric tons of plastic waste now pollute the planet. Without changes, the production of plastic is expected to triple by 2060 — much of it driven by single-use plastics. This comes as a new report by The Lancet has found that plastics are a “grave threat” to human health. “Waste plastic contains thousands of toxic chemicals that cause human exposure and result in disease and disability and premature death,” says Dr. Philip Landrigan, an author of the report and the director of the Global Observatory on Planetary Health at Boston College. He also notes that plastic is especially harmful to children, who are at risk for “decreased IQ, injury to the reproductive organs” and liver damage when exposed to plastics during early development.

International caps on plastic production are key to ending “waste colonialism.”…

Microplastics are everywhere- from the water bottles we use to our clothes. While they are a serious health concern for all humans, research has found that it particularly impacts those with dementia.

Removing heavy metals from the body through a process traditionally used to treat mercury and lead poisoning doesn't help relieve autism symptoms, a new analysis suggests.

Humanity produces roughly 400 million metric tons of plastic each year, yet only recycles or reuses 9%, at most, of all the plastic collected. While nations ...

Dr F. Perry Wilson reviews disturbing data about the accumulation of nanoplastics in the human body.

🔥 Oct 19, 2024 - From Climate And Capitalism - The world is on track to produce 736 million tons of plastics each year by 2040 PLASTIC PLASTIC EVERYWHERE, INCLUDING IN WHAT WE DRINK |by Erik Assadourian (reposted, with permission, from Gaian Way) The image of smoldering plastic in a little pit on the side of the street, white wisps of smoke dancing…

335 votes, 106 comments. “That would mean that our brains today are 99.5% brain and the rest is plastic.” Any ideas how one can clear it out? There…

Evidence is accumulating that microplastics found nearly everywhere are also invading our bodies. What should you do?

Chewing gum, whether natural or synthetic, may release microplastics that are directly ingested.

12 brain samples from people that died with dementia or Alzheimer's were shown to contain up to 10 times more plastic by weight than healthy samples

Higher urinary metal levels were associated with poorer cognition and increased risk for dementia in a new study.

In preparation for a proposed international treaty on plastic pollution, leading experts discussed the health dangers involved.

Absorption through skin could be ‘significant source of exposure’ to toxic forever chemicals, study shows

Microplastics are ubiquitous across ecosystems, yet the exposure risk to humans is unresolved. Focusing on the American diet, we evaluated the number of microplastic particles in commonly consumed foods in relation to their recommended daily intake. The potential for microplastic inhalation and how the source of drinking water may affect microplastic consumption were also explored. Our analysis used 402 data points from 26 studies, which represents over 3600 processed samples. Evaluating approximately 15% of Americans’ caloric intake, we estimate that annual microplastics consumption ranges from 39000 to 52000 particles depending on age and sex. These estimates increase to 74000 and 121000 when inhalation is considered. Additionally, individuals who meet their recommended water intake through only bottled sources may be ingesting an additional 90000 microplastics annually, compared to 4000 microplastics for those who consume only tap water. These estimates are subject to large amounts of variation; however, given methodological and data limitations, these values are likely underestimates.