The impact of plastics on human health is mainly reflected in the following aspects:
Invasion of microplastics and nanoplastics: microplastics are plastic fragments and particles with a diameter of less than 5 millimeters, and nanoplastics are even smaller in size and are able to cross cell membranes. They enter the human body through eating, breathing, etc. and can be potentially harmful to human health. Research by the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) shows that people may ingest up to 5 grams of microplastics per week. After entering the human body, these microplastic particles may be broken down into smaller particles, which in turn enter the circulatory system and are potentially harmful to the gastrointestinal tract, the brain, and the immune system.
Harmful substance release: Plastic products often contain substances such as polyvinyl chloride and phthalates. Upon heating or prolonged exposure, these harmful substances may be released in the form of gases and particles, posing a hazard to human health. For example, prolonged exposure to and inhalation of these harmful substances may affect the blood system, inducing leukemia and other blood system diseases; they may also cause damage to the brain and affect the central nervous system.
Allergic reactions and inflammation: Certain plastics may release harmful chemicals that trigger allergic reactions in the body, such as asthma and rashes. Also, these chemicals may cause inflammation and infections such as diarrhea and hepatitis.
Neurotoxicity and carcinogenicity: Some plastics may also cause damage to the nervous system, with symptoms such as headaches, dizziness and memory loss. In addition, long-term exposure to certain plastics may also increase the risk of cancer, such as lung cancer and liver cancer.
Therefore, in order to reduce the hazards of plastics to human health, measures need to be taken to reduce the use and disposal of plastics, as well as to strengthen the recycling and treatment of plastic waste.
