Microplasty: Invisible danger is now blowing over our head!

Microplasty: Invisible danger is now blowing over our head!

Los Angeles, USA - The problem of microplastic pollution has become increasingly important in recent years. A current study shows that microplastic particles in the air can get into the atmosphere as conventional soil particles with lower wind speeds. According to Kleine Zeitung are microplasty particles more than sand and dust and have the ability, through to climb atmospheric movements from the ground. In 84 percent of the air movements, microplastics were able to get in the air, while only 23 percent of the strongest wind bits were able to raise conventional soil particles.

These findings come from a field test that was carried out as part of a research conference. It is pointed out that microplastics are spread in all social classes without distinguishing between wealthy and less wealthy areas. An example of this are the noble district and modest residential areas in Los Angeles, where microplastic particles occur in a similar density. It is also reported that sewage sludge is stored with microplastics from water treatment systems near the sewage treatment plants.

origin and distribution of microplastics

microplastics, defined as a particle with a diameter of less than 5 mm, can be detected in floors, waters, oceans and air. The main sources of these harmful particles can be found on land, such as synthetic textiles and the abrasion of car tires. According to Max-Planck Institute for Meteorology have incorrectly assumed that the ocean For microplastics, while more recent research indicates that the ocean mainly acts as a depression.

The view that hundreds of millions of kilograms of microplastics get out of the ocean to the atmosphere annually was questioned. Laboratory experiments suggest that the development of microplasty from marine sources is considerably less than suspected, with just a few thousands to hundreds of thousands of kilograms per year.

health effects and global measures

research on microplastics has developed over the past 20 years and has shown that microplastics can be detected in the deepest ocean mugs to the highest mountain peaks. According to Sigma Earth , microplastics were documented in various human samples, including blood, breast milk and organs. The health effects are worrying, especially since laboratory studies associate microplastics with cell inflammation and other health problems.

The plastic industry recognizes the presence of microplastics, but denies the potential health risks. In response to the growing concerns, some governments have already introduced measures such as the use of microfiber filters in washing machines. Experts are calling for more extensive strategies to reduce microplastic pollution, including a planned contract of the United Nations, which is supposed to tackle the problem globally.

The challenges that microplastics represent for the environment and human health require an interdisciplinary approach to find effective solutions.