Ano ang epekto ng microplastics sa kalusugan? | Need to Know

The Global Plastic Problem and Microplastic Definition00:00:00

Worldwide, over 430 million tons of plastic are produced annually, with the Philippines alone producing nearly 200 million shampoo sachets each year. Plastics take 20 to 500 years to decompose and eventually disintegrate into microplastics, which can be ingested by marine animals and subsequently humans. Macroplastics are visible plastics like bags, while microplastics are almost invisible due to their small size.

Sources and Formation of Microplastics00:01:14

Microplastics have two sources: primary microplastics, which are small from production (e.g., in facial washes), and secondary microplastics, formed when macroplastics break down due to factors like UV light or decay. Clothing made from synthetic fibers like polyester and nylon also releases microplastics during washing, contributing to ocean pollution, with over two million tons of microfibers entering the sea annually.

Microplastics in Food, Salt, and Air00:02:57

Microplastics are ingested by even the smallest marine organisms. Studies from 2017 found microplastics in marine products and salt, especially in salt produced from seawater. It's also possible to inhale microplastics, with a study from Mindanao State University Iligan finding high concentrations in the air in Metro Manila, particularly from clothes, PET bottles, and plastic bags.

Health Risks of Microplastics00:05:07

Experts are concerned about the health effects of microplastics, which are made of chemicals and can carry bacteria, viruses, and cancerous compounds. The United Nations Environment Program states that out of 13,000 chemicals used in plastic production, 3,200 are hazardous. A 2022 study found plastic particles in the blood of 17 out of 22 participants. Microplastics can cause physical damage to organs and chemical damage by mimicking hormones, potentially affecting fertility and development.

Call to Action: Reducing Plastic Use00:07:03

Although studies on microplastic's full health effects are ongoing, it's highly probable that we ingest them daily, especially from takeaway containers. The sea, particularly in countries dependent on its resources, becomes a sink for all land-based plastic waste, making everyone vulnerable. The video concludes that while plastic won't disappear, its impact can be reduced by gradually decreasing plastic use to minimize the source of microplastics and their associated risks.