23/02/2022
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Reposted from
How many microplastics do you think can be released per day by a single facemask in the ocean? A study in Environmental Advances suggests it could be as many as 173,000. Every. Single. Day. 😱
Horrified? You should be. Initially, it was thought that microplastics would have no effect on the animals that eat them - passing through digestive systems harmlessly and being excreted intact.
But we now know that microplastics absorb toxic chemicals, which can cause stunted growth, erratic behaviour and even death in fish that accidentally consume them 🐠🐟 They can also be passed up the food chain to humans 👩👩👦👦
When we eat microplastics, it turns out they can be distributed throughout our circulatory and lymphatic systems and stored in our fat cells. Here, research suggests, they may cause cancer and affect hormone regulation and liver function 😲
So, what can you do about it?
First up, try to avoid disposable masks where possible - reusable masks are much better for the environment. When you can't avoid disposable masks, make sure you always put them in mixed waste bins to keep them out of the sea. And, if you're feeling like doing even more, why not join in with a community litter pick to stop plastic face masks - and other plastics - from making their way into our waterways? 😁💪
via
📸 .jayamanna
📍 Nawala Urban Wetland Park, SriLanka
One of the looming dangers of the pandemic is increased waste generation. The photographer observed an Oriental Darter trying to free itself from a discarded surgical mask. The bird was not successful and eventually flew away from the area with the mask stuck on its beak. Awareness about safely discarding PPEs is vital as they have become a constant in our lives.