NEW HAVEN, Conn., Jan. 5, 2022/PRNewswire/ – Environment and Human Health, Inc., a non-profit organization made up of doctors and public health professionals, has published its new publication Research reportConcerning the dangers of microplastics and plastics to the environment as well as to human health. The report calls for broad policy initiatives to be implemented by all levels of government, including federal, state, and local governments. It also calls on corporations to adopt new policies to better protect the public against harmful plastic and microplastic exposures.
Plastics and their production have been a problem since decades. The more scientists learn about the effects of plastic pollution on the environment and on the health and well-being of all living creatures, the more serious they become.
Today, plastic is produced in an estimated 380 million tonnes per year. This is roughly the same amount as all the people on the planet. It is estimated that only 60% gets recycled, burned or landfilled. The rest of plastic produced ends up in the environment.
Plastic formulations can include many additives. Many toxic substances are used.Plastic products can be given desired characteristics by incorporating these elements. Plastics can also absorb a wide variety of chemicals and harbor microbes that can be harmful to humans, plants, and wildlife.
Large plastic items, such as bags and food packaging, can be broken down into microplastics. They are tiny pieces of plastic that are smaller than a grain rice and sometimes even smaller.
Microplastics are a contaminant that is more common than any other and is also widely distributed in the environment. They are small and can be found in vegetables, fruits, beer, and even salt.
This can have an impact on health depending on the size. We know that microplastics are consumed by fish and large fish, and large plastic pieces are consumed by large birds and large birds. Too many plastic bags have been proven to cause death in whales. Plastic fish nets can be fatal to turtles, seals, and other large sea creatures.
Gaboury BenoitProfessor of Environmental Chemistry. Yale UniversityEHHI Member and author of the report, explains that “almost 500 scientific studies were reviewed in order to write this report. They show that each person ingests and inhales millions upon millions of microscopic particles each year.” The chemical additives and coatings found in microplastics can be dangerous to your health. It is alarming to note that their impact on human and animal health is not yet known.
Hugh Taylor, M.D. Chair of Yale’sEHHI member and Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology stated, “Exposure to microplastics in pregnancy is perhaps the most concerning.” Microplastics can cross into the placenta from the placenta. The developing foetus is especially vulnerable to toxic exposures. Pregnant women should try to avoid plastics and our legislators need to prioritize protecting them.
“Dr. Taylor’s observation regarding microplastics, taken from the vantage point at the Chair of Yale’sDepartment of Obstetrics and Gynecology. They are extremely important, due to the long-term and multigenerational actions of certain chemicals and the fact microplastics are extensively spread through food and water which creates an immediate threat to future generations,” said David Brown Sc.D., toxicologist and member of EHHI.
Microplastics cause inflammation and irritation of the digestive tract, according to laboratory research. Microplastics can also cause toxic reactions in model organisms and human cells. It is still unknown if these findings will have any health effects on humans or animals.
People regularly ingest microplasticsConsume food and drink alcohol. They inhale microplastics when they breathe indoor and outdoor air.
Most microplastics are formed from the break down of larger plastic items. Therefore, it is impossible for us to control the quantity of microplastics without reducing the production of plastic. One plastic water bottle can be broken down into many trillions upon trillions of microplastic particles.
“We need stop plastic production from its source. This will require international agreements between countries, regulations in The United Statesat all levels government and include the cooperation from industry and the efforts by individual citizens.” Nancy AldermanPresident of Environment and Human Health, Inc.
This report can be downloaded from the EHHI website at: http://ehhi.org
Contact Information for Media
Author of the Report
Gaboury Benoit, Ph.D. 203-401-1556
President of Environment and Human Health, Inc.
Nancy Alderman 203-248-6582
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SOURCE Environment, Human Health, Inc.