Plastics, which are cost-effective and have many advantages, are used at many points in daily life. Although most of the plastics are lost in nature by decomposition, plastic waste that is not disposed of properly raises concerns about the environment and human health. Istanbul Gelisim University Biochemistry Specialist Asst. Prof. Dr. Burcin Tuzuner underlined that these plastics can cause cell death and allergic reactions in the human body.
The answer to “What is Microplastic? must be well-known”
Asst. Prof. Dr. Burcin Tuzuner stated these results cause concern for human and environmental health:
“First of all, the answer to the question 'What is microplastic?' must be known to everyone. Plastic particles smaller than 5 mm that occur as a result of plastic pollution are called microplastics. These are either produced specifically to provide functionality to industrial products or arise due to the wear/breakdown of large plastics over time. They are found in many places, from the food we eat to the water we consume, the air we breathe, and now the agricultural products that are grown. However, it is still unknown exactly how long they remain in the body. Today, national bans on the use of microplastics as additives in cosmetics and cleaning products have entered into force in some member states of the European Union. We, too, can reduce waste generation by avoiding unnecessary use and consumption of plastic in our living spaces as much as possible. We must make the necessary effort for healthy living spaces and people.”
