Microplastics put our health at risk, as highlighted by the many studies published in recent months on the topic. Yet “the problem is still largely underestimated and unacknowledged. These tiny particles, generally invisible to the naked eye, have invaded every corner of our planet, including the waters of rivers and oceans and represent a significant threat to the health of humans, animals and the entire environment. It is therefore urgent to implement awareness and prevention actions”, reflects Giorgio Sesti, president of the Italian Society of Internal Medicine (Simi), an organization that has developed a series of recommendations on the behaviors to follow in different areas of our lives, from nutrition to clothing choices, to protect us.
Microplastics, continues the expert, “are also particularly insidious due to their ability to accumulate toxic substances such as pesticides, heavy metals and other pollutants. These toxins pollute the environment and find their way into the food chain. Recent studies have confirmed the The alarming degree of microplastic contamination of the food and water we consume every day. The ingestion of microplastics causes damage to all organs and systems, leading to gastrointestinal and microbiota disorders, reproductive problems, carcinogenic effects, neurological problems (it has been proven). which compromise the integrity of the blood-brain barrier) and cardiovascular systems”, adds Sesti.
“Microplastics – remember – have even been isolated in the vessels, inside the atherosclerosis plaques and can increase the risk of heart attacks and strokes. Also present in the air we breathe, they can be inhaled and reach deeply into the lungs, causing respiratory problems and aggravating conditions such as asthma and bronchitis.” For this reason, “we should try to adopt – states Nicola Montano, president-elect of Simi – a series of individual actions aimed at limiting exposure to microplastics, even if it is clear that wide-ranging political initiatives, coordinated at an international level, would be needed”.
Ten practical actions to fight pollution
“Public awareness and education play a crucial role in combating microplastic pollution, adds Sesti, proposing the ten practical actions proposed by Simi experts. Here they are: 1) Reduce the consumption of single-use plastic and opt for reusable alternatives such as stainless steel thermal bottles/flasks, glass containers, fabric shopping bags 2) When choosing clothes and fabrics, always prefer those made of natural fibers such as cotton, wool, viscose and hemp, rather than synthetic materials such as polyester, polyamide, polypropylene and nylon, which release microplastics during production and washing 3) Install filters against microplastics in washing machines to capture microplastics released from fabrics during wash cycles, preventing them from entering the water system.
It's still. 4) Avoid cosmetic products containing microplastics. Polyethylene microgranules (found in exfoliants, toothpastes, shaving creams and rinse-off scrubs) have been banned since 2020, but cosmetics may contain other insoluble polymers. Always check the list of ingredients on the label to make sure they do not contain Pe (polyethylene), Pmma (polymethyl methacrylate), Pet (polyethylene terephthalate) and Pp (polypropylene). 5) Consume filtered water. Invest in a high-quality water filtration system to remove microplastics and other contaminants from tap water, or choose mineral water and glass bottled sodas. Instead, avoid those in plastic bottles. 6) Minimize the purchase of foods packaged in plastic packaging and containers, opting for alternatives made of glass, stainless steel, silicone or paper bags to reduce the risk of ingesting microplastics. Even in the refrigerator, reduce or eliminate the use of plastic containers and films.
7) Choose fresh, whole foods rather than processed and packaged products; the latter, in addition to being less healthy, could contain higher levels of microplastic contamination. 8) Support sustainable fishing practices, purchasing seafood from sustainable sources, reducing the likelihood of consuming fish and seafood contaminated by microplastics. 9) Practice responsible waste disposal, separating plastic when possible and throwing it into designated bins; it's another way to prevent plastic from polluting the environment and contaminating food and water. 10) Set a good example and raise awareness of family, friends and work colleagues on the harmful effects of microplastics on human health and the environment.
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