One of the major vectors of pollution worldwide is the microplastics. Also known as plastic microbeads, they are present in many daily hygiene products such as exfoliating creams, toothpastes and soaps. These tiny particles end up polluting the environment, causing an environmental impact whose magnitude has increased over the decades. For more than 40 years, microplastics have begun to accumulate in the oceans and, today, they are dispersed in almost all the seas of the world.
In this guide we will explain in depth what microplastics are, where they are found and the consequences they generate for the environment and human health. In addition, we will explore possible solutions to address this growing problem.
What are microplastics
The microplastics are small plastic particles, usually less than 5 millimetres in diameter, used in a wide variety of cleaning products and cosmetics. They first emerged in the 1980s for cosmetic purposes due to their exfoliating capacity, but they are also used to add colour and texture to various products.
We can find them in everyday products, such as:
- Toothpastes and shower gels
- skin scrubs
- Sunscreens
- Detergents and cleaning agents
- Synthetic fiber of clothing
These microplastics are frequently dumped into wastewater systems and as current filtration systems cannot remove them, they end up in rivers, seas and oceans. Polymer particles such as polyethylene, polypropylene y polystyrene They are now present in almost all bodies of water on the planet.
The worst part is that these tiny plastics are invisible to the human eye in most cases, but their presence is devastating. It is estimated that tons of microplastics enter our oceans every day, affecting thousands of species and, more recently, even humans are facing their risks.
Consequences for the environment
One of the main problems with microplastics is their negative impact on marine fauna. Due to their tiny size, the filtration networks at wastewater treatment plants are unable to completely remove them. These plastics end up being ingested by species of seabirds, fish and marine mammals, leading to a slow death.
The microplastics They have become one of the main threats to ecosystems because:
- They pollute the seas and rivers through the discharge of poorly treated wastewater.
- Suelen be ingested by plankton, a fundamental component of the marine food chain, affecting the food supply for larger species.
- They prefer chemically attract and absorb contaminants such as heavy metals and toxins present in the water, which creates a toxic bomb for living beings.
Recent studies have shown that these plastics have reached regions as remote as the Arctic and Antarctica. They are found in marine sediments, corals, and even in microscopic organisms such as zooplankton. Corals, essential for marine biodiversity, are also suffering the consequences. As if climate change were not bad enough for reefs, microplastic pollution endangers their ability to survive, affecting the balance of marine ecosystems.
Microplastics risk to human health
The risks of these plastics not only affect marine fauna, but also humans. Through the food chain, microplastics can end up in the human body and potentially harm our health.
A Greenpeace report, entitled "Plastics in Fish and Shellfish", revealed worrying levels of specific microplastics in products we consume every day. These plastics are not only difficult to remove from the body, but can also carry heavy metals and pollutants absorbed from the marine environment. A study by Orb Media found that 83% of tap water samples from 12 different countries contained microplastics.
The true extent of the effects on human health is still not entirely clear. Ongoing research alerts us that We may be consuming thousands of microplastics per week, through food and drink. In addition, inhalation is another route of exposure, since suspended particles can be breathed in.
Although we do not have extensive research into the direct, long-term effects, microplastics pose considerable potential risks, and the world's population is increasingly concerned. As with other invisible pollutants, we may be facing a problem that will take years to fully manifest itself. The challenge is how we can mitigate this situation before it is too late.
Prohibition and alternatives
Due to growing awareness about the dangers of these plastics, several countries have begun to ban microplastics in certain products. In United StatesFor example, the use of these microspheres in cosmetic products such as soaps and facial scrubs has been banned. United Kingdom followed the same path after discovering that the River Thames had high levels of microplastic pollution.
In the European Union, the fight against microplastics is still in progress. Although there is no law completely banning their use, MEPs have demanded that action be taken to eliminate intentional microplastics in cosmetics and detergents by 2025. Organisations such as the UN and the Marine Waste Partnership are also working on creating global guidelines to reduce plastic in the environment, encouraging the design of sustainable products.
However, discussions about banning are not enough. Work is also being done on alternatives to conventional microplastics, including:
- Biodegradable products made from corn flour or apricot kernels.
- Jojoba microspheres or natural pearls, which perform the same exfoliation function in an environmentally friendly way.
- Initiatives such as the Global Commitment to the New Plastics Economy, promoted by the Ellen MacArthur Foundation and the UN, to reduce dependence on plastics.
While banning the manufacture and use of microplastics is essential, it is equally important for consumers Let's adopt more responsible habits.Choosing products that use natural alternatives or do not pollute our oceans should be a priority for everyone.
The problem of microplastics is omnipresent, but it is in our hands to start actively looking for solutions, supporting stricter laws, choosing sustainable options and reducing the amount of plastics we introduce into nature.
With the support of science, appropriate policies and increased awareness, we can mitigate the devastating effects that microplastics have on the environment and our health.