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What are microplastics?

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When plastic waste is dumped in the ocean, ocean waves break down plastic into particles known as microplastics. Microplastics float around the environment, carrying endocrine disrupting chemicals , such as flame retardants and biocides.
How do toxic chemicals in plastics enter the human body?

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When microplastics enter the environment, they are dispersed into water, food, and float as particles in the air. When we eat, drink, and breathe, humans unknowingly ingest and inhale toxic chemicals, which have detrimental impacts at the cellular level.
What are common effects of plastics on human health?

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Microplastics damage cells in the human body causing serious health effects, like cancers and lung disease. Not only this, but toxic chemical additives in plastics can alter hormone activity in the human body disrupting reproductive and growth development, potentially causing serious birth defects felt for generations.
True or False: Young adults, children and infants in the womb are most vulnerable to serious health effects from plastics.

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Plastic pollution is hazardous for all humans, but children and infants in the womb are particularly vulnerable to the toxic chemicals carried by microplastics. Exposure to plastics increases risks of birth complications, lung growth, and childhood cancer.
What widely used substance for manufacturing plastic is dangerous for human endocrine activity?

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BPA is used to manufacture polycarbonate plastics for bottles, utensils, toys and other commonly used products. Drinking and eating from plastic containers exposes people to low levels of BPA which poses a potential risk to human health, especially to youth.
What is the estimated global cost of plastic-related health effects per year?

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In 2022, it was estimated that the global annual cost of plastic related social costs including health effects stands at a staggering $100 billion. This not only includes health effects from cell mutation such as cancers, but also the impact of plastics on climate change: plastic production produces greenhouse gas emissions which are dangerous for respiratory health.
Plastics & Human Health Quiz
Plastics Pupil
You are a Plastics Pupil! You have probably just embarked on your journey of learning about all of the ways plastic pollution impacts human health. Your health and the wellbeing of your community are important to you and you likely want to learn more about the threat posed by plastics. Carry on learning and you will soon have all the knowledge you need to fight plastic pollution!
Plastic Proficient
Well done! You are Plastic Proficient. You possess a quality understanding of how plastic pollution impacts human health. It’s evident that you are committed to protecting your community, and you probably want to learn more about ways to combat plastics. Keep learning to continue making informed decisions that tackle plastic pollution head-on!
Plastics Professional
Good Job! You are a Plastics Professional. The health of all humans and the planet is of high importance to you and you are motivated to take every action to prevent plastics wreaking havoc on our lives. Keep this up and put all this knowledge to use by joining the global fight against plastic pollution!
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Earth Day 2024
EARTHDAY.ORG is unwavering in our commitment to end plastics for the sake of human and planetary health, demanding a 60% reduction in the production of ALL plastics by 2040. Our theme, Planet vs. Plastics, calls to advocate for widespread awareness on the health risk of plastics, rapidly phase out all single use plastics, urgently push for a strong UN Treaty on Plastic Pollution, and demand an end to fast fashion. Join us as we build a plastic-free planet for generations to come!