Tiny pieces of plastic in your personal care products, in your food, and even in your body; microplastics are everywhere! In recent years, there has been increasing attention on the rising levels of microplastics in the environment and their harmful effects. Vitaminstore keeps you informed! 

What are microplastics? 

Microplastics are defined as any pieces of plastic smaller than half a centimetre. Some pieces are so small that they cannot be seen with the naked eye. The smallest pieces are called nanoplastics and are barely visible even under a microscope. 

Where do microplastics come from? 

Microplastics originate from plastic waste that gradually breaks down in nature and can end up in our groundwater. The use of plastic products also contributes to the increasing presence of microplastics in the environment. Consider the wear and tear of car tyres and synthetic clothing, where microfibres are released during wear or washing, entering the environment through air and water. Furthermore, microplastics are intentionally added to cosmetics and personal care products to improve spreadability or for their cleansing function, as seen in scrubs and toothpaste. Other products such as cleaning agents and detergents also contain microplastics. 

Are microplastics harmful? 

We do not yet fully understand how harmful microplastics are to our health. More research is being conducted to uncover this. It is now clear that we ingest microplastics through drinking water, food, and air, which have been found in our blood and lungs, potentially causing health issues such as inflammation and allergic reactions. There are also concerns about the toxic substances contained in plastics, which can enter our bodies through microplastics. These toxic substances, known as toxins, can disrupt the hormonal balance and immune system. 

How can you minimise microplastics in the environment and in your body?