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Microplastics: The silent threat all around us.


We hardly ever see them, yet they’re everywhere. In the water we drink, the air we breathe, the food we eat. Microplastics — tiny plastic fragments less than 5mm in size — have insidiously invaded our daily lives, our ecosystems, and even our bodies. This invisible pollution now raises urgent concerns for both human health and the planet.

Where do microplastics come from?

Microplastics come from two main sources:

  • Primary microplastics: intentionally manufactured in microscopic form — found in cosmetics (like microbeads), synthetic textiles, and industrial processes.

  • Secondary microplastics: result from the breakdown of larger plastic items (bags, bottles, tires, etc.) due to sunlight, wind, water, and time.

Every year, millions of tons of plastic enter the environment, especially oceans, where they gradually fragment.

A serious threat to marine ecosystems

In the oceans, microplastics are often mistaken for food by many species — plankton, fish, sea turtles, and seabirds. This leads to:

  • Digestive tract blockages,

  • Chronic malnutrition,

  • Increased exposure to toxic substances (e.g., PCBs, pesticides, heavy metals) absorbed by plastic particles.

These toxins can move up the food chain and reach humans.

Found everywhere — even inside us

Microplastics have been detected in:

  • Bottled and tap water,

  • Sea salt, seafood, honey,

  • Indoor and outdoor air (especially from textile fibers),

  • Human blood, placentas, lungs, livers, and intestines.

Some studies suggest we ingest the equivalent of one credit card worth of plastic every week.

What are the health risks for humans?

Although research is still ongoing, several potential health effects have already been identified:

  • Inflammation and oxidative stress,

  • Digestive disorders and microbiome disruption,

  • Endocrine disruption (hormonal imbalance),

  • Increased risk of respiratory illnesses,

  • Possible links to certain cancers (e.g., colorectal).

One U.S. study even associated high microplastic presence with a greater risk of chronic diseases like stroke, diabetes, and hypertension.

What can we do?

In the face of this global issue, there are concrete actions everyone can take:

  • Avoid single-use plastics,

  • Choose glass or stainless steel containers,

  • Never heat food in plastic containers,

  • Wash synthetic clothes less frequently or use microplastic filters,

  • Support regulations that limit microplastic emissions and plastic pollution.

Scientific research must also be strengthened to better understand the long-term impacts of this widespread exposure.


Conclusion

Microplastics are a silent yet very real threat. Invisible and persistent, they permeate every environment and challenge our plastic-dependent way of life. To protect our health, our oceans, and future generations, we need a profound shift. It begins with knowledge, awareness… and action.



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