Plastic is a synthetic material created by applying heat and pressure to polymers. From water bottles to clothing lines, it’s no secret that plastic has taken over our daily lives. But what we’re finding out is that plastic production has more implications than we initially thought. Discovered by the University of Plymouth in 2004, microplastics have led to the accumulation of microplastics in oceans. With a shift toward a health-conscious society, microplastics have made headlines across the globe.
So, what are they?
Microplastics are pollutants from the natural breakdown of plastic debris. Ranging from 1 µm to 5 mm, microplastics are a tiny yet glaring problem, expected to increase in volume over the coming decades. They’re everywhere. From bathwater to water bottles, it feels like there’s no escaping. One study by PNAS 90% of one liter of water contains nanoplastics.
Since the uptick of plastic use in the 1960s, microplastics have contaminated both freshwater and marine environments. Some studies point the finger at bigger corporations. Research by Science AAAS shows that 56 companies are responsible for over 50% of the world’s plastic pollution.
While microplastics seem like an irrelevant issue, they can cause more serious harm to your health than you think. PubMed Central found that microplastics and nanoplastics can induce apoptosis, necrosis, immune responses, inflammation, and oxidative damage.
What Can You Do?
Unfortunately, microplastics may never entirely leave our environment within our lifetime because of their integration into our ecosystems. The good news? You can take precautions to protect yourself and your family.
Reverse Osmosis (RO) Systems filter out dozens of harmful contaminants, including up to 90% of microplastics in your water. RedBird Water offers premium RO filtration systems that help reduce your exposure to microplastics and other invisible threats.
Contact us today to schedule a free water test and see what’s in your water.