PR Newswire
NEW HAVEN, Conn., Jan. 11, 2022
NEW HAVEN, Conn., Jan. 11, 2022/PRNewswire/. Environment and Human Health, Inc., an organization of doctors and public-health professionals, has released its newly published information. Research reportConcerning the dangers of microplastics and plastics to the environment as well as to human health. The report calls upon all levels of government to take sweeping policies. This includes the federal, state and local governments as well as corporations to create new policies that will better protect public health from harmful plastic and microplastic exposures.
Plastics and their manufacturing have been a problem over the past decades. Scientists are becoming more aware of the dangers that plastic pollution poses to the environment and all living things.
Plastic is produced annually in the amount of 380 million tons. This is about the same weight as all people on Earth. It is estimated that only 60% gets recycled, burned or landfilled. The rest of the plastic is found 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 the most widespread contaminant and one that is widely distributed in the world. Because of their small size, microplastics can be found in fruits and vegetables, as well as in water and beer.
The size of the plastic can have a different impact on your health. We know that microplastics are consumed by fish, and that large fish and large birds consume large quantities of plastic. Plastic bags can cause the death of whales. Plastic fish nets can be fatal to turtles, seals, and other large sea creatures.
Gaboury BenoitProfessor of Environmental Chemistry, Ph.D. Yale UniversityEHHI Member and the author of the report, said, “Almost 500 scientific research were reviewed in the preparation of this report. They show each of us inhales millions and ingests millions of microscopic plastic particle each year. The chemical additives and coatings that microplastics contain can also be harmful to human 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. Toxic exposures are especially dangerous for the developing fetus. Pregnant women should try to avoid plastics and our legislators need to prioritize protecting them.
“Dr. Taylor’s observations regarding microplastics, made at the vantage point from 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 a danger for 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 also trigger toxic reactions in human cells and model organisms. These findings could have health effects on animals and humans. However, more research is needed to confirm this possibility.
People regularly inhale microplasticsWhen they eat food or drink beverages. They inhale microplastics through indoor and outdoor breathing.
Most microplastics are formed from the break down of larger plastic items. Therefore, it is impossible for us to control the quantity of microplastics. A single plastic water bottle could be broken down into many billions of microplastic particles.
“We must stop plastic manufacturing at its source. This will require international agreements between nations and regulations. 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.
You can access and download this report from EHHI’s site 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.