S D Subrata

Day by day microplastic pollution is spreading rapidly with the increasing use of plastic materials. As the days go by, our world is getting affected by plastic pollution. Small plastic particles or microplastics are entering the human brain, blood, breast milk as well as pulses and arteries. Microplastics can cause various physical problems in the human body. Plastic pollution is not a new problem in Bangladesh. However, after the disclosure of information about the presence of microplastics in several toothpastes sold in the market, the matter came into discussion anew. Things we do from the beginning of the day till the night like - brush teeth first thing after waking up. After drinking bottled water, breakfast, dust in the air on the way to office, fish and rice in the afternoon, having a cup of tea in the afternoon, tiny plastic particles are entering the body unknowingly in the common habits of daily life. In a recent study, the impact of microplastics on health has been reported by experts. Mark Hall, a plastic waste expert at Business Waste Management in the UK, said that early stage research is now underway on the effects of microplastics on humans. In the meantime, many concerns have arisen due to plastic pollution. Unfortunately, microplastics are abundant in the environment around us. From air to food, microplastics are polluting everything. This damage can be reduced by reducing the consumption of certain products. Plastic waste is a big problem though. If you do not deal with this problem, the problem will not be solved completely. Its presence cannot be felt as it cannot be seen with the naked eye. But scientists say these tiny particles have now been detected in human blood, lungs, liver, placenta, and even brain tissue. This is why microplastics have come into discussion around the world.

Recently, after the disclosure of information about the presence of microplastics in some toothpastes sold in the market of Bangladesh, the issue came into widespread discussion in the country. Environmental and public health experts say toothpaste isn't the only source. daily food,These invisible pollutants are entering the human body through water, air, cosmetics, clothing and numerous plastic products. Plastic particles usually less than 5 millimeters in size are called microplastics. They are so small that in most cases they cannot be seen with the naked eye. Microplastics are basically of two types. A small scale is produced from scratch in a factory, which is used in some cosmetics or industrial products. The other is made by breaking down into small particles due to prolonged use, sun, heat, friction or environmental effects of various plastic products including plastic bottles, polythene, food wrappers, tires, synthetic fabrics. According to experts, once dispersed in the environment, these particles are not easily destroyed. Rather, it remains in rivers, seas, soil and air for years and becomes part of the food cycle. Microplastics enter the human body in three main ways—through food, water and inhalation. Various studies have indicated that microplastics have been found in marine fish, shrimp, oysters, salt, bottled water, tap water, tea bags, some toothpastes and cosmetics. On the other hand, fine plastic particles floating in the air can also enter the lungs with inhalation. Experts also say that if hot food is kept in plastic containers or water is stored in plastic bottles for a long time, small plastic particles can be mixed into food or drinks from there. Even a few years ago, microplastics were mainly seen as an environmental problem. But after recent studies have detected the presence of these particles in various parts of the human body, concern about health risks has increased. Researchers say microplastics are not just plastic; With this, various chemical elements can also enter the body. Chemicals used in some plastics are thought to affect the normal functioning of hormones. Various studies have indicated a possible link with microplastics to inflammation, cell damage, oxidative stress, reproductive health problems, gut microbiome imbalance and heart disease. But scientists say more extensive research is still needed on the long-term effects on the human body. According to research data,Most of the symptoms of microplastics are found inside the body. Among these changes there are problems like dryness, redness and burning of the skin. This is due to the interaction of microplastics with the endocrine system of the skin. Abdominal swelling, discomfort and digestive problems along with various physical complications including fatigue. The presence of microplastics in the air can cause problems like coughing and breathing problems as well as disrupt the normal functioning of hormones in the body. This can lead to weight loss, memory loss and hand tremors. According to health experts, the potential impact of microplastics on children, pregnant women, the elderly and people with long-term illnesses can be relatively high. As children's bodies are still developing, they are at risk of being more exposed to pollutants. Similarly, research is being done around the world on the effects of small plastic particles entering the body of pregnant women. Environmentalists say microplastic pollution in the country is on the rise due to not just toothpaste—single-use plastics, polythene, unplanned waste management and limited plastic recycling. Due to the accumulation of plastic waste in rivers, canals and reservoirs, these particles are also entering the body of various aquatic animals including fish. Later that fish is added to the human diet. Glass or stainless steel bottles and food containers should be used instead of plastic. Never store or heat hot food in plastic containers. Reducing the use of single-use plastics. Using safe and quality water.Cleaning the house regularly.Encouraging the use of cotton and other natural fiber clothing instead of synthetic fabrics.Being aware of ingredients while buying toothpaste and cosmetics. According to environmental and public health experts, this crisis cannot be tackled by individual awareness alone. Effective policies on plastic production and use, development of waste management, strict monitoring of industries and use of safe alternative products should be increased. At the same time, more research is needed in the country on microplastics. Because the actual level of this pollution in Bangladesh,There is still not enough information about its effects on the human body and long-term health risks. Dana Zhaksilikova, a microplastics researcher at Nazarbayev University in Kazakhstan, has given several suggestions to avoid microplastics. He said, microplastics are everywhere. In the meantime, the presence of microplastics has been detected in almost all human organs. Like plastic water bottles or paper cups that we use, there are also plastic particles in them. Glass or metal water bottles should be used to solve the problem. Apart from this, besides not heating food in the microwave using plastic containers, plastic containers, T-bags, paper cups and plates should be avoided. Microplastics are invisible to the naked eye, but their effects are slowly becoming apparent. Scientists say, if effective action is not taken now, it could become one of the biggest environmental and public health crises in the future. So there is no alternative to reduce the use of plastic, increase awareness and give importance to scientific research.

According to experts, it is almost impossible to completely avoid microplastics in the current reality. Because it has already spread to almost all levels of the environment.However, it is possible to reduce its entry into the body by living a conscious life. So the use of plastic materials should be avoided as much as possible. A way to solve this problem should be found through joint efforts of government and people and awareness activities.