Microplastic found in human poo!

On the 22nd of October a research, conducted by a team of the Medical University of Vienna and two experts from the Environment Agency Austria, was presented at the UEG Week in Vienna, a European gastroenterology meeting.

Th research confirms what we have already feared for a while: Microplastic is not only a threat for marine life, our oceans, and our entire environment, but also for us humans. It has now made its way into the human digestion system. The consequences for human health are still uncertain. As if we did not have already enough reasons to fight the plastic pollution! But know we have a cause that everyone will understand – our own health is at stake.

Dr. Philipp Schwabl commented at EurekAltert: “This is the first study of its kind and confirms what we have long suspected, that plastics ultimately reach the human gut. Of particular concern is what this means to us, and especially patients with gastrointestinal diseases. While the highest plastic concentrations in animal studies have been found in the gut, the smallest microplastic particles are capable of entering the blood stream, lymphatic system and may even reach the liver. Now that we have first evidence for microplastics inside humans, we need further research to understand what this means for human health.”

Now that we know one more FACT – we even have one more reason to ACT now.

There are plenty of simple ways to avoid plastic. Starting with refusing single-use plastic, stop buying plastic water bottles, no more coffee to-go cups, etc. Remember: REFUSE REDUCE REUSE RECYCLE

Stop microwaste’s Ten for the Ocean: 10 steps to do laundry without more microplastic getting into the oceans and ultimately in humans.

Ecowatch: 10 Ways to Use Less Plastic Every Day

 

Featured Image: Lucas Vasques