PLASTIC contamination is not a new issue but has been raised often due to its threat to marine life, environment and humanity.
Every year, more than eight million tonnes of plastic are dumped into the sea.
People are well aware of the effects of excessive plastic production and use which ultimately pollute the earth. However, few are aware of the existence of microplastics.
The use of microplastics — plastic particles that are less than 5mm in size — is an issue that is often raised recently.
There are about 51 trillion microplastics in the ocean — more than 500 times the number of stars in the galaxy.
Microplastics come from a variety of sources, including fibres from synthetic fabrics, dust from vehicle tyres, road paint and large-sized plastics that is shredded to become small-sized plastics.
Microbead, a microplastic type produced from polyethylene, is included in cosmetics such as body scrubs and toothpaste. These tiny particles are capable of passing through the sewage system and eventually land in the oceans.
According to the United Nations Environment Programme, microbeads have been added to beauty products since 50 years ago. There are many microbead products in the market but there is little consumer awareness about the effects of their use.
Although the microbeads are being replaced with natural ingredients, the presence of microplastics have always been a threat to the marine ecosystem, the environment and humans.
The results of the study by the Medical University of Vienna showed that microplastics could enter the human intestine.
This is risky for patients with gastrointestinal diseases, which affect the esophagus, stomach, small intestine, colon, rectum and digestive organs such as the liver, gallbladder and pancreas.
In fact, the findings of a study presented at a meeting of the United European Gastroenterology in Vienna recently showed that microplastic particles were found in human faeces.
It turns out that microplastics are no longer just threatening animals such as birds and fish, but also human health.
Solving plastic issues of this scale is not an easy task.
Various policies have been introduced around the world to address the issue of plastic pollution in the ocean, including limiting the production and use of plastic bags and bottles, and increasing the rate of plastic recycling.
Most recently, the use of plastic straws was banned in all restaurants in Kuala Lumpur. The plastic straw-free campaign is supported by a number of leading businesses like the McDonald’s and KFC fast-food chains.
Some people find it burdensome and see no effect in such a ban.
However, in the long term, this measure is not only expected to reduce plastic pollutants in the environment and the oceans but also reduce the potential of these plastic particles from continuing to affect the food chain and human body systems.
Hence, exposure through early education, effective campaigns, product innovations, close commitment and collaborations between the industry and local, national and international governments are needed to discourage the use of plastic materials for future wellbeing.
AZYAN ZAFYRAH MOHD ZAHID
UITM, Pasir Gudang, Johor