MICROPLASTICS AND THE IMPORTANCE OF REDUCING THEM FOR THE BENEFIT OF HEALTH

• DOI: https://doi.org/10.22533/at.ed.1317412409014

• Palavras-chave: agua embotellada; ingesta de microplásticos; muestras de sangre; normatividad ambiental.

• Keywords: bottled water; ingestion of microplastics; blood samples; environmental regulations.

• Abstract:

  The objective of this documentary research is to carry out an analysis of the negative impact on health caused by daily use plastics that are not legislated. Currently, government regulations are prohibiting single-use plastic bags but do not pay attention to other types of plastics that have direct contact with humans, such as baby bottles, personal thermoses, bottled water that sells for millions, glasses, etc... The use of this type of products causes the direct ingestion of the microplastics that are released from them. In studies carried out on blood samples, plastic particles were found in 77% of them and of these, half corresponded to PET and 25% to styrene polymers. It is estimated that bottled water and food products extracted from the sea near the coast are the most contaminated. The danger of microplastics lies in their weight and size, which are tiny because they can adhere to red blood cells, limiting oxygen transport. They can be in the placentas of pregnant women and in babies' bottles. To prevent and counteract the use of any type of plastics, the government must legislate its use in a comprehensive manner and civil society must raise awareness through campaigns on social networks, talks, forums, among others, to be more proactive and be aware of their negative impact.