Skip to main content

Did You Know? Microplastics Are Not Just Polluting Our Oceans; They’re Polluting Us!


Team GSRN | April 17, 2025

New Delhi: Microplastics; tiny plastic particles less than 5mm in size have now been detected throughout the human body, including in vital organs such as the liver, lungs, and even the brain, according to recent research.

A 2025 study found microplastics in the brains of all 52 people examined. The highest amounts were in the prefrontal cortex, which controls decision-making. In some cases, the plastic found was equal to the size of a plastic spoon.

Dr. Ayesha Bhatia, environmental toxicologist at AIIMS said "Plastic pollution has shifted from an environmental issue to a public health threat, and “The presence of microplastics in the brain raises serious concerns about cognitive and neurological health" also.

Now the question is "How Do Microplastics Enter the Body?"

So, these particles enter through ingestion, inhalation, and skin contact through sources like plastic packaging, synthetic clothing, bottled water, personal care products, and airborne dust.

Inside the body, microplastics can trigger inflammation, oxidative stress, and immune responses. They're also linked to hormonal imbalance, reproductive issues, heart risks, and developmental problems in infants.

India has imposed partial bans on single-use plastics, but experts recommend Avoid heating food in plastic containers (use glass or ceramic), Drink filtered tap water instead of bottled, Wear natural fiber clothing over synthetic, Reduce intake of processed foods, sustainable alternatives, and public awareness to mitigate the risk.

#microplastics #plasticinbody #healthalert #plasticpollutes #breakfreefromplastic #plasticfreefuture #environmentalhealth #toxictruth #bansingleuseplastic #protectourhealth #invisiblepollution #brainhealth #ecoawareness #saynotoplastic #plasticcrisis

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Climate change reshapes global weather patterns: India's 2025 outlook

By Preety Chaudhary| 02 May, 2025 As the climate crisis intensifies, 2025 has emerged as a pivotal year, with India experiencing unprecedented weather extremes that underscore the urgent need for adaptive strategies. India faced an early and intense heatwave in April 2025, with temperatures soaring above 40°C in Delhi and reaching a staggering 46.4°C in Barmer, Rajasthan. Such extremes are becoming increasingly common, attributed largely to human-driven climate change. Meanwhile, the Himalayas recorded their lowest snowfall in 23 years, threatening the freshwater supply for nearly two billion people across Asia. This decline jeopardizes agriculture, hydropower, and drinking water resources in the region. Globally, abrupt temperature shifts rapid transitions between extreme heat and cold have increased, affecting over 60% of the planet. These fluctuations, driven by jet stream changes and soil moisture variations, pose significant challenges to agriculture and infrastructure. Climate ch...
Post a Comment
Read more

Farmers and Pesticide Exposure in India: A Growing Concern

By Preety Chaudhary| May 4 ,2025 Delhi: Pesticide exposure remains a serious threat to the health and safety of Indian farmers. Recent studies have revealed alarming trends in both awareness levels and the adoption of preventive measures across agricultural communities. A study in Telangana highlighted that farmers are facing a range of health issues, including respiratory problems, skin disorders, and even neurological symptoms, due to unsafe pesticide practices. Many still handle chemicals without adequate protective gear or proper knowledge of safety protocols. In North India, over 55% of farmers reportedly do not read pesticide labels, while nearly 80% remain unaware of bans or restrictions on certain chemicals. The widespread ignorance about personal protective equipment (PPE) further increases their vulnerability. Despite the risks, conventional pesticides continue to dominate Indian agriculture due to their high efficacy, affordability, and long-lasting action. These chemicals a...
Post a Comment
Read more

Can Small Cities Adopt Ahmedabad’s Heat Action Plan, or Are We Still Unprepared for Heatwaves?

Team GSRN| 19-04-2025 New Delhi: As India faces rising temperatures and more frequent heatwaves, cities are under pressure to act. Ahmedabad set a benchmark in heatwave preparedness by introducing South Asia’s first Heat Action Plan (HAP) back in 2013. The plan includes early warning systems, public awareness campaigns promote hydration and sun safety, health worker training targets heatstroke treatment, cooling centres offer relief in public spaces, and measures for vulnerable populations. Ahmedabad's HAP is a well-thought-out, community-based strategy created by the Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation (AMC) with support from the Indian Institute of Public Health (IIPH) and the Natural Resources Defence Council (NRDC). According to studies by IIPH and NRDC, the city has seen a 25–30% drop in heat-related deaths since the HAP began. More importantly, people are more aware, alert, and prepared. The central government, recognizing its success, has encouraged other urban areas to adopt si...
Post a Comment
Read more