Microplastics

Plastics that break down into particles as tiny as our DNA-small enough to be absorbed through our skin-are released into our environment at a rate of 82 million metric tons a year. Plastic pollution threatens everything from sea animals to human beings. More than 20 percent of plastic waste is mismanaged and ends up in our air, water, and soil. Plastic pollution is a chemical remnant of petroleum with other chemicals added in to change the durability, elasticity, and color. The astounding level and types of plastics, many with unknown health effects, should be a wakeup call for everyone. Beyond Plastics, an advocacy group for policy change, warns that new research indicates plastic could be leading to an increased risk of heart disease, stroke, and death. Studies have found microscopic plastic particles affect every system of our bodies. Microplastics in human artery wall plaque were recently linked to a 350 percent increased risk of heart attack. A study published in the New England Journal of Medicine following 257 patients over 34 months discovered 58.4 percent had polyethylene in carotid artery plaque and 12.1 percent had polyvinylchloride. Polyethylene is the most common plastic found in bottles and bags, including cereal box liners. Advocacy groups are pushing for legislation that would reduce this use. The BreakFreeFromPlasticPollutionAct, first introduced in congress in 2020, remains stuck in committee. And plastics and petrochemical industries benefit from grants, tax breaks, and incentives. The Environmental Integrity Project issued a report last year that found 64 percent of 50 plastics plants built or expanded in the United States since 2012 received nearly $9 billion in state and local subsidies. Only 4 percent of plastic is recycled in the United States, but recycled plastics present additional hazards because they are made from a blend of products and a more uncertain chemical makeup that could be toxic. The International Pollutants Elimination Network, after an investigation in 24 countries, found hundreds of toxic chemicals including pesticides, industrial chemicals, pharmaceuticals, dyes, and fragrances. They suggest shopping with reusable shopping bags, use metal or glass snack containers, straws, cutlery, etc. And never use plastic in the microwave.