Microplastics occur just by opening a plastic bottle?

Microplastic So small pieces of plastic less than 5mm pass through the treatment plant per day, penetrate into waterways, release toxins, and adversely affect marine life. Also, inhaling microplastics floating in the air can be bad for your body.

Usually, microplastics are thought of as large plastic products that degrade over time or are made by the manufacturer themselves. However, according to a new study published in the journal Scientific Reports, microplastic contamination can occur only by opening a soda bottle or confectionery bag sealed package.

Using a spectroscope and a scientific inspection microscope, the researchers observed how microplastic contamination occurred by opening the chocolate wrapper, cutting the tape with scissors, and twisting the lid of the bottle open. As a result, it was found that 1,400 to 1,700 pieces of 1 to 3 nanogram microplastic were created every time a 30 cm plastic burst. Almost every manufacturing method needs to be changed to eliminate microplastic contamination that occurs every time a plastic package is opened.

Further research is needed to clarify the specific risks posed by this kind of microplastic contamination. As the toxicity and how it penetrates the body has not yet been elucidated, more research is needed on its effect on humans.

This study is a new example of the need to completely eliminate the use of disposable plastic packages. To make this happen, the entire European Union is planning to ban single-use plastics by 2021. In the U.S., some members of the House of Representatives have proposed federal legislation that mandates the management and payment of recycling programs for large corporations, a source of pollution, by temporarily suspending the production of certain plastic products and permits to build new plastic production facilities.

Although efforts are being made to phase out plastic in this way, this study shows that more efforts are needed. Related information can be found here .