Dee Dee Anderson’s Post

Microplastics- A Significant Health Concern? I’m sure you’ve heard of microplastics, the tiny pieces of plastic that are polluting our food and potentially harming our health. But do you know how much we are exposed to them, and what are the possible consequences? According to a recent review article, humans are exposed to between tens of thousands and millions of microplastics each year, or several milligrams per day. The main exposure routes are inhalation of indoor air, drinking water in plastic bottles, and food intake. The exact amount and types of microplastics remain undetermined. Microplastics can enter our body through the skin, gut, or lungs, and depending on their size, shape, chemical composition, and other factors, they can have different effects on our cells and organs. For example, microplastics smaller than 1 micrometer, called nanoplastics, cross the blood-brain barrier and reach the brain, where they cause inflammation, oxidative stress, and neurotoxicity. Microplastics can also affect our endocrine system, by mimicking or interfering with hormones, and our immune system, by triggering inflammatory responses or altering the gut microbiota. Moreover, microplastics can be transferred to future generations. Given the widespread and persistent nature of microplastics, it is prudent to take measures to reduce their production, use, and release into the environment. Some of these measures include recycling plastics, developing biodegradable alternatives, banning or regulating primary microplastics (such as microbeads in cosmetics), and improving waste management and treatment. I hope this post has raised your awareness and curiosity about microplastics and their health effects. If you want to learn more, you can check out the references below, or join my newsletter "Epoch Explorer" where I will discuss this topic in more detail. Thank you for reading, and feel free to share your thoughts and questions in the comments. #microplastics #health #epigenetics #biology

Microplastics found in salt and sugar samples. The study revealed the presence of microplastics in all salt and sugar samples, in various forms, including fibre, pellets, films and fragments. The size of these microplastics ranged from 0.1 mm to 5 mm. The study aims to trigger policy action and attract researchers’ attention to potential technological interventions that could reduce exposure risks to microplastics. Study’s finding of substantial amounts of microplastics in all salt and sugar samples is concerning and calls for urgent, comprehensive research into the long-term health impacts of microplastics on human health. https://lnkd.in/g7QdaD8M #foodsafety #foodtesting #microplastics #humanhealth

Unbottle Your Health: Kick Out BPA for Good | Aakash Khurana Take control of your health! Simple steps like avoiding BPA-containing plastics can make a big difference. Join the movement for a healthier future. #reduceyourrisk #sustainableliving #toxicchemicals #everydaytoxins #publichealth #environmentalpollution #bpareduction #toxicfreeliving #makemoreinformedchoices #ecoconsciousconsumers #wellnessenthusiasts #environmentalactivists #sustainableliving Bisphenol A (BPA) is a synthetic chemical compound used in the production of various plastics and resins. It is commonly found in: Polycarbonate plastics: Used in water bottles, food containers, and baby bottles. Epoxy resins: Used to line the inside of metal cans for food and beverages. Thermal paper: Used in receipts and tickets. BPA can leach into food and beverages from these containers, leading to human exposure. Exposure Routes: Diet: Consuming food or beverages stored in BPA-containing containers. Dermal: Handling thermal paper (receipts) coated with BPA. Inhalation: Breathing in dust or fumes from BPA-containing products. Health Concerns: Endocrine Disruption: BPA is an endocrine disruptor, meaning it can interfere with hormone function. Estrogenic Activity: BPA mimics estrogen, affecting reproductive health and development. Potential Risks: Infertility: BPA exposure may impact fertility in both men and women. Developmental Effects: Fetuses and young children are particularly vulnerable. Cancer: Some studies suggest a link between BPA exposure and certain cancers. Metabolic Disorders: BPA may contribute to obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular issues. Regulations and Research: Many countries have banned or restricted BPA in certain products (e.g., baby bottles). Ongoing Research: Scientists continue to study BPA’s effects on human health. Safe Levels: Regulatory agencies set Tolerable Daily Intake (TDI) levels for BPA exposure. Reducing Exposure: Choose Alternatives: Opt for BPA-free containers (look for labels). Avoid Microwaving Plastic: Heat can increase BPA leaching. Handle Receipts Carefully: Wash hands after touching thermal paper. Remember that while BPA exposure is widespread, the actual health risks at low levels remain a subject of ongoing research. If you have specific concerns, consult a healthcare professional. 🌱🔬 for more info: https://lnkd.in/gd5K3t_i.

How Plastic Can Harm Your Health. Plastic is everywhere—even in the foods we eat and the beverages we drink.  CR’s recent tests of nearly 100 foods found two types of chemicals used in plastic, bisphenols and phthalates, in a wide variety of packaged foods. These findings are concerning because there’s clear evidence linking exposure to these particular chemicals to a number of health effects, including disruptions of the endocrine or hormone system. Such disruption has been linked to neurodevelopmental problems, metabolic disorders, and reproductive issues. https://lnkd.in/gPzrNy9p

"But the implications go beyond mere environmental contamination. Emerging research is revealing that microplastics may be doing more than just polluting our surroundings—they could be affecting our health in profound ways. These particles are increasingly recognized as endocrine disruptors, capable of interfering with our hormonal systems. By mimicking hormones like estrogen and cortisol, microplastics may contribute to weight gain, metabolic issues, fertility and other serious health problems." It is not just the plastic water bottles. The #microplastics are everywhere around us and come in different shapes and forms, one of them being also the spaghetti-like microfibres that shed from our textiles during laundry. Due to their form they easily escape most filtration devices, so our #microfiber filter was designed specifically with that in mind. It captures up to 98% of microfibres at the very source, the washing machine, before they are released into the environment and our food chain and cause harm to our health. "Microplastics can act like xenoestrogens, chemicals that mimic estrogen by binding to estrogen receptors in the body. This can disrupt the hormonal balance, particularly in children, leading to early puberty and unusual weight gain. The disruption of natural hormone functions is a growing concern, especially as we observe more children experiencing these health issues at younger ages. This can also have negative effects in adult males, including weight gain, erectile dysfunction, gynecomastia, reduced sex drive, decreased energy, decreased muscle mass and infertility, according to a study published in 2021 by researchers at the University of Naples Parthenope in Italy." You can act. Thank you for being part of the solution! 💙🌊💚🌍 #health #innovation #pollutionsolution #sustainability #closedloop

micropastic causes major issues with human's health Microplastics pose significant health risks to humans due to their ubiquity in the environment and ability to be ingested or inhaled. They can affect various systems in the body, including the digestive, respiratory, endocrine, reproductive, and immune systems. 1. **Digestive System**: Ingestion of microplastics can cause physical irritation, inflammation, and changes in the intestinal microbiome, leading to gastrointestinal symptoms like abdominal pain, bloating, and changes in bowel habits[1]. 2. **Respiratory System**: Inhaled microplastics can cause oxidative stress, inflammation, and damage to the airways and lungs, leading to respiratory symptoms such as coughing, sneezing, and shortness of breath[1]. 3. **Endocrine Disruption**: Microplastics can interfere with hormone production and release, leading to endocrine disorders, metabolic disorders, and reproductive issues like infertility and miscarriage[1][2]. 4. **Neurotoxicity**: Exposure to microplastics can cause cognitive dysfunction, changes in locomotor function, and anticholinesterase activity, indicating potential neurotoxic effects[1]. 5. **Immune Response**: Microplastics can trigger an immune response and cause local particle toxicity, leading to chronic health problems[1]. 6. **Environmental Exposure**: Humans are exposed to microplastics through contaminated food, water, and air, with estimates suggesting that the average adult consumes approximately 2,000 microplastics per year through salt alone[2]. While there is limited definitive evidence on the specific health impacts of microplastics, the potential risks are significant, and further research is needed to fully understand their effects on human health. Citations: [1] Health Effects of Microplastic Exposures: Current Issues and ... https://lnkd.in/gJxJtSfz [2] Microplastics on Human Health: How much do they harm us? https://lnkd.in/gW7rBk7Y [3] Potential Health Impact of Microplastics: A Review of ... https://lnkd.in/gSsbYwwU [4] The Human Health Threats of Microplastics - UNWRAPPED project https://lnkd.in/gXHpDHQX [5] Effect of Microplastic on the Human Health - IntechOpen https://lnkd.in/gsRBX3PN

As a science communication editor, this week we offer you on the TecScience website a very interesting explanation about the possible influence of microplastics on obesity written by Silvia Aldana #obesidad #sciencecommunication #microplastics

🔬 Breaking News: Toxic Metals Found in Tampons 📰 A recent study by UC Berkeley has brought to light a critical issue that demands our immediate attention. Researchers have found toxic metals, including arsenic and lead, in various tampon brands. This alarming discovery underscores the importance of transparency and safety in the products we use daily. As Co-Founder and CEO of Tampon Tribe, this is a reminder of why we started this journey. Our mission has always been clear: to provide safe, healthy, and eco-friendly menstrual products. We have committed to producing tampons and other menstrual products that are 100% organic, free from toxins, and certified to the highest standards. Here's why Tampon Tribe is different: ✅ No Toxic Metals or Chemicals: We rigorously test our products to ensure they are free from harmful substances. ✅ 100% Organic Cotton: Our tampons are made from certified organic cotton, without pesticides or synthetic fibers. ✅ Sustainable and Eco-Friendly: We care about the planet as much as we care about our customers' health. Our packaging is plastic-free, and our products are biodegradable. This study highlights the urgent need for stricter regulations and more transparency in the menstrual product industry. At Tampon Tribe, we pledge to continue leading the way in offering safe and sustainable options. Let's advocate for better standards and healthier choices. Your health matters, and we are here to protect it. Stay safe and be informed. 🌱💪 #PublicHealth #MenstrualHealth #TamponTribe #Sustainability #Organic #ToxinFree #HealthMatters https://lnkd.in/gqxyYVn3

Last week, we reported on emerging research suggesting that microplastic elimination might be a more critical longevity factor than diet and exercise. Given the near impossibility of completely avoiding microplastics within modern society, Dave deBronkart shared a blood-based at-home microplastic testing kit. While I couldn't locate independent scientific validation for this test, it reminded me of genetic testing for, let’s say, lung cancer. A positive genetic test for lung cancer hopefully makes you motivated to quit smoking, but even if the result is negative, you should still quit smoking. So what difference does such a test make? Similarly, a positive microplastic test might encourage lifestyle changes, but the overall health advantages of minimizing plastic exposure remain regardless of test results, so testing is not needed to make the right decision. It turns out you can do many, small things daily to minimize microplastic exposure. Here are some examples: 1) Avoiding heating plastic in the microwave 2) Vacuuming regularly 3) Filtering tap water 4) Buying plastic-free cosmetics 5) Avoiding beverages in plastic bottles 6) Choosing products with eco-friendly packaging How conscious are you about microplastics in your life? Do you do any of these above to minimize exposure?