Microplastics are tiny pieces of plastic less than 5 millimeters in size. They are found in a variety of products, including food packaging, cosmetics and clothing. Microplastics can enter the environment through sewage treatment plants, landfills, and agricultural runoff.
Recent studies:
A recent study published in the journal Nature revealed that microplastics have been detected in breast milk for the first time. The study analyzed breast milk samples from 34 women in Italy and found that all samples contained microplastics. The most common type of microplastic was polyethylene, which is used in a variety of products, including plastic bags and bottles.
Health problems:
The presence of microplastics in breast milk is a concern because it raises the possibility that infants may be exposed to these tiny particles while breastfeeding. Microplastics have been shown to have a number of negative effects on animal health, including inflammation, oxidative stress and DNA damage. However, more research is needed to determine the impact of microplastics on human health.
What can be done?
There are several things you can do to reduce your exposure to microplastics. They include:
Avoid plastic products: Whenever possible, choose products that are not made of plastic.
Plastic recycling: Recycling plastic helps prevent it from entering the environment.
Wash clothes less often: microplastic fibers get into the water during washing. Washing clothes less often can help reduce the amount of microplastics entering the environment.
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