Plastic is one of the biggest pollutants of our planet. Plastics have played a major role in disturbing the ecological balance of nature. It will not be wrong to say that we are living in Plastic Age. Plastic is found everywhere; it is contaminating our landfills and water resources. And shockingly, recent studies have discovered that the plastic have dumped in the planet is coming back to us in our tap waters. Yes, you got it right- tap water contaminated. With what is being called microplastics.
As plastic substances are non-degradable,its debris can only be broken into tiny fragments with the passage of time. Plastic fragments which measures 5 millimeter or even less are known as Microplastics. And these are difficult to remove from the environment and are there to stay forever, breaking down into smaller microplastics over time. Microfibers are the most pervasive forms of microplastic. When clothes made of polyester and nylon is washed, it sheds these microfibers into the air. A recent study has revealed that in a single wash as many as 260 thousand microfibers are released. These microfibers then contaminate air and water resources. Car tyres, coatings, textiles, some personal care products, abrasion of plastic products of all kind are some of the sources leading to this contamination in our environment.
Because of its size, these microfibers can easily evade filters. It can easily reach the bloodstream of the organism who drink these contaminated waters and result it in severe damage to the life on the planet.
Risks to Human Health
It has been observed in recent studies that 83% of tap water samples collected from major cities in the world is contaminated with microplastics. Apart from this, 90% of samples of world’s 11 bottled water brand was also found to be contaminated. It is a known fact that plastic is non-biodegradable; it breaks down into smaller pieces. So you can image the health hazards caused by plastic if it remains in your body. Some of the health issues include chromosomal and reproductive abnormalities, early puberty, increased blood pressure, child obesity. However due to insufficient studies and evidence in this regard, the awareness and immediate action against these problems remains low.
Presence of Plastic Fibers in Tap Water
It has been found that the drinking tap water of every household across the world is contaminated with microplastics. In a recent study ( https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2017/sep/06/plastic-fibres-found-tap-water-around-world-study-reveals ), samples of tap water from across globe were collected. Almost 83% of the sample of tap water was found to be contaminated with microplastics. US had the highest contamination rate which was followed by India and Lebanon. The least rate of contamination was found in European countries which included France, Germany and England, but still it was 72 %. This is an alarming rate of increase in the percentages of contamination.
Microplastics Found in Bottled Water
World Health Organization (WHO) had announced a review into the potential risks of plastic particle in drinking water after it was found that 90% of samples of world’s 11 bottled water brand were contaminated. A study was conducted by the scientists of State University of New York in Fredonia, in which they found twice as many as plastic particles within bottled water as compared to their previous study of tap water. This was really shocking news. A study revealed that the common type of plastic fragment found in bottled water was polypropylene which is same type of plastic used to make bottled caps. The samples of bottled water were brought in from throughout the countries of the world- US, China, India, Brasil, Indonesia, Mexico, Lebanon, Thailand and Kenya.
Conclusion
Plastic waste is eating up our planet. Plastic is non-degradable, so it just keeps breaking up into smaller pieces which become more and more dangerous. Plastic particles which are smaller than 5 millimetres are considered as microplastic. These microplastics can continue breaking down past 10 nanometres. This plastic particle can easily enter into our body through the cell membranes and cause severe health issues. Plastic has now entered into our food chain. Though sufficient evidence is not there about the long term risk factors of microplastics but scientists do admit that these microplastics has toxic effect on human body when consumed. It is contaminating all the water bodies and through these water bodies reach each and every household.
There is not much we can do to already existing microparticles in air and water. Air purifiers and water filters can also not be of much use as the nanoparticles can easily evade purifiers and filters. The only way to prevent the situation from getting worse in the future is to avoid the use of plastic –less Production and less Usage means less Plastic Pollution.
Plastic pollution is definitely a matter of huge concern for our planet and we cannot pretend to remain indifferent from its after effects. This is a responsibility of every citizen to contribute in the reduction of plastic pollution in their own way so that we can save the living beings from getting choked under plastic debris and live in a healthy and pollution free environment.
Also read:
Plastic Pollution in India: 10 Key Stats You Must Know
Microbeads in Everyday Products: Their Negative Impact and How to Avoid
