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The impact of microplastic pollution on health
Summary
This paper reviews how microplastics enter the human body through ingestion, inhalation, and skin contact, and summarizes the associated health impacts including digestive disorders, immune reactions, and toxic accumulation. It recommends practical steps to reduce exposure, such as replacing disposable containers with reusable alternatives and checking cosmetic ingredients for polyethylene and polypropylene.
Air pollution is an increasingly pressing global issue that has serious impacts on health. The presence of microplastics has polluted almost all ecosystems on earth. Microplastics measuring less than 5 mm can enter the body through the digestive tract, respiration, or contact with the skin. The impacts that can be caused by microplastic pollution include digestive disorders, immune reactions, and accumulation of toxicity in the body which can cause long-term health problems. Some steps that can be taken to avoid microplastic pollution are replacing disposable containers with reusable containers, replacing disposable plastic bags with shopping bags, being careful in using cosmetic products that do not contain polyethylene and polypropylene.
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