What are micro plastics? Explain about its threats and solutions
Structure of answer:
- Introduction (Concept of Micro plastic)
- How it affects?
- What are the concerns?
- Way forward (What need to be done?)
Key points:
- What? Microplastics are tiny particles which are present in many sources, including carry bags and pet bottles.
- These tiny particles easily pass through water filtration systems and end up in the water bodies, posing a potential threat to aquatic life.
- Microbeads, a kind of microplastic, are used as exfoliates in some cleansers and toothpastes. Even though banned in US and Canada, microbeads are still used in India.
- Effect: Microplastics can migrate through the intestinal wall and travel to lymph nodes and other bodily organs, shows the Orb report.
- Microplastics have also been shown to absorb toxic chemicals linked to cancer and other illnesses, and then release them when consumed by fish and mammals.
- So if plastic fibers are in your water, experts say they’re surely in your food.
- Do’s: Regulations on use of plastics in general and microplastics in particular should be put in place by the government.
- Alternatives should be found to tackle with rising consumerism and the increasing use of plastic in everyday life.
- Invention of new, more readily degradable bio-based materials for the plastics could be a way.
- The entire flow chain from manufacturer to the user to the waste collector and the recycling authority should be made aware of the risks.