At the European Gastroenterology Conference in Vienna, Austria, a study reported that up to nine microplastics were detected in human excreta for the first time, between 50 and 500 microns in diameter (a human hair, diameter) It is 100 microns.) This study shows that plastic can reach the human stomach.
Before this, there were enough public reports about plastic pollution, but in the eyes of people, this seems to be a problem that has little to do with them so far. Despite the continuous media disclosure in recent years, the creatures in the deep sea Death caused by eating floating plastics, but for most people, plastic pollution is far from enough to cause pain.
Now, 'plastics can reach the human stomach', and scientists have further warned that the smallest microplastics can enter the blood, lymphatic system and even the liver. Micro-plastics in the intestines may also affect the immune response of the digestive system. The results of such research do make people Shocked.
Low cost, easy to use, easy to manufacture, light in weight, stable in physicochemical properties, plastics were once considered to be one of the 'most successful' materials ever created by humans. And because of these 'advantages', plastics are also produced in humans. The demand and output in life are amazing, and most of them are also used as disposables with extremely short service life.
The amount of use is huge, but it is discarded at will, so plastic waste is generated in large quantities, so that how to manage it has become a worldwide problem. June 5 is World Environment Day, and the theme of World Environment Day in 2018 locks in plastic pollution, calling on all countries in the world to work together. Work together to fight the problem of disposable plastic pollution.
Around the plastic pollution, governments have already begun to take action. China's 'plastic limit order' has been implemented for 10 years, and it is necessary to change the 'limit' to 'forbidden' according to the new situation. Now it is being discussed in depth. It is required to ban the production and sale of disposable plastic products such as disposable tableware, cotton swabs, straws, etc. within the EU from 2021.
The government is in action, what can ordinary people do? In a word, try to reduce the use of plastic products. This seems simple, but it is not easy, because it means making some personal consumption patterns and living habits. change.
A survey on plastic straws has witnessed the difficulty of change. In most cases, plastic straws are not indispensable, but people just like to use it, even in Europe and the United States, when some businesses try to introduce alternatives such as bamboo straws, this A habit is still hard to change.
It seems that the governance of plastic pollution depends only on co-governance. Governments, businesses, consumers and even social organizations, the efforts of either side are indispensable.
The latest research on 'plastics reaching the human stomach' has made the seriousness of plastic pollution increase. Obviously, the cooperation and efforts of all parties need to be more sincere and solid.