Just about everything in life has side effects. Contrary to what the movies might be telling us, good cannot easily be separated from evil. Plastic is no exception and while it might be a cheap and ready vehicle for storing and transporting foods and beverages it can take eons to degrade as it chokes our oceans and waterways and the precious creatures that inhabit these once pristine vast swathes of natural wonder. If that is not bad enough science has now uncovered a new monster that is unleashed as plastics continue to serve and harm us in probably equal measure; microplastics.
Whole plastic might break down slowly but microplastics or minute plastic particles are released from plastic all the time due to the activity of microbes, heating or mechanical stress. These miniscule particles are now everywhere, in water, soil and air which means we are constantly ingesting them in whatever food we eat, whichever water source we chose, even the filtered variety, and we are inviting them into our bodies with every breath we take.
Research into the precise adverse effects of microplastics is still in its infancy but there is already evidence that it can compromise fertility, especially in males. Over time it can drive inflammation, a slow incendiary fire that can scorch our brains and sear our hearts. As the below illustration suggests, the toxic effects can be widespread.
