The Microplastic Epidemic: How Far has it Infiltrates Our Lives and Bodies?

The Microplastic Epidemic: How Far has it Infiltrates Our Lives and Bodies?

In a world where convenience prevails, the emergence of microplastics is an alarming concern. These minuscule plastic particles, smaller than a grain of rice, have surreptitiously entered our food supply, water, and, consequently, our bodies. This article delves into the potential impact of microplastics on major organs, including the brain, based on cutting-edge scientific research. And how it can be avoided with a Reverse Osmosis water system.

The Unseen Threat of Microplastics

Larger plastic items, such as shopping bags and water bottles, undergo gradual microplastic metamorphosis. Elements like sunlight and water degrade plastics that escape waste management, reducing them to microscopic dimensions.

Furthermore, everyday products like cosmetics, synthetic fabrics, and single-use plastic bags release plastic particles into the environment. These tiny plastic fragments traverse through water, air, and the food chain until they enter our bodies.

Alarming statistics about ingestion

It is astonishing to note that plastic production has surged to over 460 million tonnes in 2019.

According to a 2019 analysis published by the World Wildlife Federation, an independent conservation organization, individuals ingest roughly 5 grams of plastic per week, equivalent to the weight of a credit card.

This paints a concerning picture of the scale of plastic ingestion within the human population.

The impact of microplastics on our lives

Bottled Water and Microplastics

Research from 2018 revealed a startling statistic - 93 percent of tested bottled water contained microplastics, as per research published in Frontiers in Chemistry. Given the widespread consumption of bottled water, microplastic exposure is a pervasive issue, leaving no demographic untouched.

Microplastics: A Global Reality

Dr. Christopher Palmer, a Harvard professor, points out that microplastics are virtually inescapable in our modern world. They are found everywhere, even in the most unexpected places, such as the snow at Mount Everest's peak. A small-scale study found microplastics in human placentas, underlining the alarming extent of exposure, with children born today already affected.

Bloodborne Microplastics

Recent studies have further heightened the concern, with research indicating that a significant portion of individuals have detectable microplastics in their bloodstream. A study from 2022 revealed that out of 22 tested individuals, the majority exhibited microplastics in their blood. This showcased the widespread nature of this issue.

Health Implications

Microplastics are not inert bystanders. They are linked to harmful health effects. Plastic chemicals, like phthalates and bisphenols, are associated with obesity and diabetes. These conditions may be the result of inflammation and hormone disruption, highlighting the intricate connection between microplastics and human health.

Surgery and Microplastic Intrusion

A 2023 Chinese pilot study published in Environmental Science and Technology discovered microplastics in heart tissue. The study involved the analysis of blood samples from patients before and after cardiovascular surgery. It revealed that invasive procedures may introduce microplastics into the bloodstream and organs.

Impacts of microplastics over time

Chemical Composition

Microplastics are not just physically invasive; they also carry harmful chemicals like flame retardants, persistent organic pollutants (POPs), and plasticizers, such as BPA. These substances can disrupt hormonal balance and trigger chronic inflammation, threatening our health.

Scientific research has demonstrated that microplastics accumulate in crucial organs over time. This accumulation of plastic fragments within the body has the potential to lead to long-term health consequences, making it a matter of paramount concern.

A 2023 International Journal of Molecular Sciences study found microplastics in every major tissue, including the brain, liver, kidney, gastrointestinal tract, heart, spleen, and lungs.

Microplastics' Penetration of the Brain

The brain, typically safeguarded by the blood-brain barrier, is not impervious to microplastics. A 2023 Austrian study published in Nanomaterials found that microplastics could infiltrate even this highly protected organ. Mice consuming water containing microplastics demonstrated rapid infiltration of these particles into their brains within just two hours.

Managing microplastic exposure

Despite the pervasive presence of microplastics in our environment, individuals can reduce their exposure:

  • Choose copper water bottles as a sustainable alternative to plastic.
  • Use canvas or cotton bags when grocery shopping.
  • Bring your reusable mug to your local café to reduce single-use cups.
  • Choose organically raised meat, vegetables whenever possible, as conventional feed pellets often contain microplastics.
  • Install an efficient water filtration system for microplastics removal from drinking water.

Alkaline Mineral Water System

Life Sciences Reverse Osmosis Alkaline Mineral Water System:

One standout solution for removing microplastics from drinking water is the Life Sciences Reverse Osmosis New 2024 System. This system features innovative "Tankless Technology" and utilizes a Reverse Osmosis (RO) mechanism, which is known as one of the most effective methods for eliminating microplastics. What sets it apart is its commitment to addressing common concerns associated with RO systems.

The Life Sciences RO System reaches beyond microplastic removal. It reintegrates alkaline minerals back into the water post-filtration, ensuring that the water remains mineral-rich and healthy.

Additionally, it generates antioxidants, providing additional health benefits. Notably, this system incorporates five internal filters, with one being an Advanced Carbon Filter media holding both NSF/ANSI 42 and NSF/ANSI 61 Certifications. These certifications underscore its quality and ability to significantly reduce various contaminants.

For more information: Click here 
Activated Carbon Filters: These filters can adsorb a wide range of contaminants, including microplastics. Their effectiveness can vary, but advanced carbon filter media, like that in the Life Sciences system, can offer superior results.

Ultrafiltration: With membranes possessing minute pores, ultrafiltration can effectively eliminate most microplastics. Pore sizes typically range from 0.01 to 0.1 micrometers.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, microplastics in our environment and their potential impact on our health warrant serious attention. Taking proactive measures to reduce our own exposure, such as reducing plastic usage and improving waste management, can help mitigate microplastics' impact on the environment.

For those primarily concerned with microplastics, a system like the Life Sciences Reverse Osmosis System, which combines multiple efficient filtration mechanisms, is ideal. The addition of features, such as mineral reintroduction and antioxidant creation, plus its use of the new "Tankless Technology," further enhances its appeal.

We invite you to join us on a journey to protect the most essential resource of our planet- water. Visit our website https://lifescienceswater.com/

  • Campanale, C., Massarelli, C., Savino, I., Locaputo, V., & Uricchio, V. F. (2020). A Detailed Review Study on Potential Effects of Microplastics and Additives of Concern on Human Health. International journal of environmental research and public health, 17(4), 1212. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph17041212
  • Kye, H., Kim, J., Ju, S., Lee, J., Lim, C., & Yoon, Y. (2023). Microplastics in water systems: A review of their impacts on the environment and their potential hazards. Heliyon, 9(3), e14359. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e14359
  • Koelmans, A. A., Mohamed Nor, N. H., Hermsen, E., Kooi, M., Mintenig, S. M., & De France, J. (2019). Microplastics in freshwaters and drinking water: Critical review and assessment of data quality. Water research, 155, 410–422. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.watres.2019.02.054