Microplastics are everywhere and pose a serious threat to your family’s health – but that doesn’t mean there aren’t practical solutions.
Microplastics, tiny plastic particles, have emerged as a significant threat to human health. These particles have contaminated our air, water, and food, making exposure to microplastics almost inevitable. Studies have shown that exposure to microplastics can lead to a range of health problems, from endocrine disruption to damage to vital organs.
A particularly concerning discovery has revealed the presence of microplastics in male reproductive organs, specifically the testes. A study conducted by the University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center found that microplastics can damage testicular cells, impair sperm production, and even cause infertility. This finding further underscores scientists’ concerns about the long-term impacts of microplastics on reproductive health.
What Are Microplastics?
Microplastics, particles smaller than 5mm, are present in the air we breathe. Inhaling these particles can lead to respiratory issues such as coughing, wheezing, and breathing difficulties. Studies suggest microplastics can become lodged in our lungs, causing inflammation and potentially migrating to other organs. One study found we may inhale around 16.2 microplastic particles per hour, which equates to swallowing a credit card’s worth of plastic each week. These harmful particles can trigger inflammation, place stress on our bodies, and contribute to respiratory diseases like asthma.
They Are Not Just in the Air…
A joint study conducted by the State University of New York at Fredonia and the University of Indonesia uncovered another distressing revelation: bottled mineral water sold in Indonesia also contains alarming levels of microplastics. A separate study from the United States measured microplastics in several brands of drinking water across multiple countries. The results showed that bottled water had an average of 0 – 10,390 microplastics per litre.
But what are the dangers of ingesting these microplastics? The concern lies in the harmful chemicals they may contain, including endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs), which can leach into humans and the environment. EDCs interfere with the body’s hormonal system and can cause serious health issues, including cancer, diabetes, reproductive disorders, and neurological problems in developing fetuses and children.
Time to Protect Ourselves!
To reduce exposure to microplastics, there are several steps we can take:
How Higienis Indonesia Can Help
A quality air purifier, such as those from Blueair, is essential for removing these particles from the air we breathe. Blueair’s award-winning air purifiers, including the Blue Pure Max 3250i, use advanced HEPASilent™ filtration technology that removes up to 99.97% of airborne microparticles as small as 0.1 microns. These purifiers undergo rigorous testing by US AHAM for consistently high CADR (Clean Air Delivery Rate) results, surpassing most other air purifier brands on the market.
For healthier, microplastic-free water consumption, it might be time to invest in a quality water filter. The Waterdrop G3P800 Reverse Osmosis Water Purifier with UV sterilising light, for instance, has been tested by independent laboratories. Thanks to its seven-layer filtration technology and tankless system, it reduces total dissolved solids (TDS) and removes contaminants such as chromium, fluoride, arsenic, iron ions, nitrate, chloride, chlorine, and heavy metals. Moreover, using the latest RO technology, Waterdrop produces pure water quickly (3,028 litres per day) and can fill a glass in just six seconds.
For families seeking a more compact solution, the Waterdrop Chubby Water Pitcher is also worth considering. Its compact size belies its powerful ability to filter harmful contaminants in drinking water, such as chlorine, fluoride, pesticides, and heavy metals. Powered by a 3-volt battery, the device features a filter quality indicator and can reduce chlorine by 97.4%, enhancing flavour when used to brew coffee or tea.