TUESDAY, APRIL 16, 2024 - EARTH WEEK

Plastics are part of our lives.  Can we cut out plastics?  I don’t know.

A recent study suggests the presence of microplastics may increase the risk of heart attack and other cardiovascular problems among people with heart disease. The tiny plastics were found to double the risk of stroke or heart attack. Mar 19, 2024

Should I be worried about microplastics?

So, how bad are microplastics for humans? There are two precise mechanisms through which microplastics might hurt us: either by chemically disrupting the regular running of our body systems or by piling up in enough quantities to block our circulatory, respiratory, or digestive systems. Feb 4, 2024

How to Avoid Microplastics: Reducing Your Everyday Exposure. 

1 Drink filtered tap water. 

2 Avoid single-use packaging. 

3 Store your food in metal or glass containers.

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The Brita Elite Filter is certified under NSF/ANSI 401 to reduce microplastics. However, the Standard Brita pitcher filter is not approved for microplastic reduction. Mar 11, 2024

Scientists do have some evidence that microplastics could make us sick. In lab settings, microplastics added to human cells have been found to trigger cell death, tissue damage, and allergic reactions. In a study released last week, researchers in Naples found that heart disease patients with microplastics in their tissues were twice as likely to suffer a heart attack or stroke or to die within three years. In another study, mice exposed to microplastics exhibited “dementia-like” behavior changes.

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In other words, (Karen’s opinion), we didn’t think microplastics were a problem, so we happily went on our way with more and more plastics. (Hmm—as I’m typing, I’m pretty sure my computer keyboard is mostly plastic!!)  

This is an excellent year to focus on microplastics.  Let the National Institutes of Health (in conjunction with health agencies worldwide) fund research projects into the health risks of microplastics.  

Some of the early reports indicate potential health issues - like a higher risk for heart attack or stroke or to die within three years.  

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I rarely drink bottled water.  I boil water on the stove and make (weak) iced tea - year-round.  I use tap water for coffee.  I am planning on a trip to the Grand Canyon (and Utah National Parks), and I’ll probably have to have bottled water (probably a gallon jug).  

A quick scan of my refrigerated foods shows that most are in plastic containers.  My canned food shouldn’t have microplastics, cereals, and many other items in cardboard boxes.  Should I buy a nice tempered glass object for my water and iced team?  

My food storage items are Tupperware-type plastic containers (most say HEB).  Should I get Rubbermaid containers?  (Are they made of rubber - or more likely plastic these days).

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I hope significant research can be done on the effects of microplastics (and plastics in general) on the human body, the environment, and options to avoid plastic materials.

However, such research needs adequate funding and does not distract researchers from other health studies (like Cancer, Dementia, and Heart Disease).  It’s probably not too late, but  I would hate to see the death statistics in twenty years - “40% of the deaths in the United States demonstrated a high amount of microplastics in the blood. 

LOVE WINS

LOVE TRANSFORMS

(AND, DEATH ON THIS PLANET ISN’T THE END - but that’s a belief statement)

Karen Anne White, © April 16, 2024