อนุทิน 174707

Microplastics and Us

Scientists reviewed 7,000 studies on microplastics. Their alarming conclusion puts humanity on notice https://phys.org/news/2024-09-scientists-microplastics-alarming-conclusion-humanity.html

In short, microplastics are widespread, accumulating in the remotest parts of our planet. There is evidence of their toxic effects at every level of biological organization, from tiny insects at the bottom of the food chain to apex predators.

Microplastics are pervasive in food and drink and have been detected throughout the human body. Evidence of their harmful effects is emerging.

The scientific evidence is now more than sufficient: collective global action is urgently needed to tackle microplastics—and the problem has never been more pressing.
…
Microplastics have been identified in the water we drink, the air we breathe and the food we eat—including seafood, table salt, honey, sugar, beer and tea.
[What can microplastics do to us]
inflammation;
oxidative stress (an imbalance of free radicals and antioxidants that damages cells);
immune responses;
genotoxicity—damage to the genetic information in a cell that causes mutations, which can lead to cancer.