The Underestimated Danger: Microplastics in the Environment

Microplastics are tiny plastic particles smaller than five millimeters. These particles originate from the breakdown of larger plastic debris or are intentionally used in products such as cosmetics and cleaning agents. Microplastics find their way into the environment through various routes, including improper disposal of plastic waste and wastewater. A significant portion of microplastics also enters our ecosystems through air pollution.

Air Pollution as a Transport Medium

These particles can be carried by wind and weather into rivers and lakes, eventually seeping into groundwater and thus into our drinking water. Studies have shown that microplastics are found in alarming concentrations in water bodies worldwide – from remote mountain lakes to the oceans.

Microplastics in Drinking Water: A Health Risk?

The ingestion of microplastics by the human body is a growing area of research. While the long-term effects are not yet fully understood, current studies suggest that these particles can cause inflammation and cellular damage, potentially increasing the risk of cancer, especially if the particles carry toxic chemicals that adhere to the surface of the microplastics.

Rising Cancer Cases: The Role of Environmental Pollution

The IARC has already pointed out that air pollution is a significant risk factor for cancer development, particularly lung cancer. The additional risks posed by microplastics in drinking water could further exacerbate this danger. Since microplastics are widespread in both urban and rural areas, there is a global health risk that cannot be ignored.

Prevention and Action

Given the projected increase in cancer cases and the growing environmental burden of microplastics, it is crucial that both individuals and governments take measures to mitigate these risks. This could include:

• Filtration of Microplastics from Drinking Water, Rivers, Lakes, Seawater, and Effluent: Companies and utilities must respond by improving their filtration methods. Klar2O is currently the only market solution that can cost-effectively, regeneratively, and 99% recyclable remove microplastics and PFAS from drinking water.
• Reducing Plastic Consumption: Using reusable products and avoiding single-use plastics can reduce the amount of microplastics in the environment.
• Improving Waste Disposal: Effective recycling programs and the safe disposal of plastic waste are essential to reduce environmental pollution.
• Promoting Research: It is important to intensify research on the health effects of microplastics to make informed decisions about public health protection.
• Strict Environmental Regulations: Governments should enact and enforce strict regulations to reduce air and water pollution caused by microplastics.

Conclusion

The WHO’s forecast of a rapid increase in cancer cases by 2050 is alarming. In addition to well-known risk factors such as smoking, alcohol, and obesity, environmental pollution also plays a central role. Microplastics, which enter our water bodies and drinking water through air pollution, pose an underestimated and significant risk. Comprehensive measures are urgently needed to combat this environmental pollution and thus reduce the risk of cancer. Only through joint efforts can we protect the health of future generations.

For the complete article from WHO, please visit the following link: WHO erwartet 77 Prozent mehr Krebserkrankungen bis zum Jahr 2050 | tagesschau.de