‘It doesn’t hurt us’: Russian scientist busts myths about microplastics – INA NEWS

Microplastics are among the many most generally mentioned environmental subjects at the moment. The media typically highlights the dangerous results of polymer nanoparticles on residing organisms. Nonetheless, as head of the Division of Polymer and Crystal Physics at Moscow State College, and a member of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Alexei Khokhlov instructed RT, there is no such thing as a scientific foundation for these claims. Khokhlov argues that microplastic particles are not any extra hazardous to people than tiny wooden or concrete particles which exist within the surroundings in a lot larger portions.

RT: In recent times, many scientific research and media reviews have been printed about microplastics. What precisely are they product of?

KHokhlov: Microplastics are outlined as fragments of polymer supplies smaller than 5 mm. These particles can break down into even smaller micron-sized items, and there are additionally polymer nanoparticles.

We dwell in an period dominated by new supplies. Simply 100 years in the past, the polymer trade was nearly nonexistent. The widespread use of plastics started within the Nineteen Fifties, and at the moment, roughly 400 million tons of assorted plastics are produced yearly worldwide.

The primary varieties of polymers embody polyethylene, polypropylene, polyethylene terephthalate, polystyrene, and polyvinyl chloride. These supplies are used to make plastic wrap, packaging, and so forth. Primarily, we’re surrounded by polymer supplies; life at the moment could be unimaginable with out them.

RT: Is it true that microplastics are in all places, even in our meals and water?

KHokhlov: The molecular construction of polymers consists of lengthy chains of monomer models. Apparently, we’re made up of polymers ourselves, since proteins, DNA and RNA chains are molecules of such sort. As for his or her presence within the surroundings, particles from all pure and man-made supplies discover their method into the surroundings.

Nanoparticles of mud, sand, and pure polymers like cellulose can enter cells. Wooden itself is actually a composite materials created from cellulose and lignin. Yearly, round 2.5 billion tons of wooden are produced globally, whereas plastics account for under 400 million tons. It’s a really small quantity in comparison with pure polymers.

RT: How do microplastics have an effect on residing cells? Can particles penetrate cells and disrupt their perform?

KHokhlov: Any materials will break down into smaller particles on account of environmental publicity. All nanoparticles can enter the human bloodstream, not simply microplastics. For example, partitions step by step disintegrate into mud and sand, which additionally make their method into the human physique. There is no such thing as a proof that microplastic particles are notably dangerous.

Humanity has coexisted with atypical mud for thousands and thousands of years, and it doesn’t hurt us. When any particle enters the human physique, it’s coated by organic fluids that embody fragments of micro organism, proteins, and many others. A ‘biocorona’, or coating made up of those fragments, types across the particle, so it can not have an effect on the human organism. This course of happens with all particles, no matter their composition — microplastics included. For the physique, there is no such thing as a distinction between microplastics and mud.

At the moment, plastic makes up solely 15% of the overall quantity of strong waste. That is comparatively low, and the focus of microplastics within the surroundings stays minimal. Laboratory research claiming dangerous results are sometimes performed utilizing extraordinarily excessive concentrations of microplastics that don’t replicate real-world eventualities.

RT: If the environmental influence isn’t important, why do you suppose the media and public are so involved about this difficulty?

KHokhlov: As a result of the media wants sensational tales. The concept wooden particles can enter human cells isn’t stunning as a result of wooden is acquainted to us and nobody believes it might pose any danger. Artificial polymers, nevertheless, evoke worry as a result of they’re unfamiliar and synthetic. However there’s no proof to counsel they act in a different way than different particles.

For instance, there was a variety of speak about eliminating plastic bottles since microplastics can get into the water. Nonetheless, additional analysis has proven that many of the microplastics present in water primarily come from polyamides, that are artificial fibers utilized in textiles. When these materials are washed, tiny particles make their method into wastewater and finally into our waterways.

RT: Can we change plastic containers with options that gained’t break down into microplastics, or ones that might be made up of particles which can be protected for nature and people?

KHokhlov: There are at all times options, however they are usually way more costly. And in lots of industries, corresponding to healthcare, the choice isn’t the identical. For instance, we will swap from single-use syringes and gloves to reusable choices, however what is going to the implications be?

In areas the place entry to scrub water is inconsistent and sanitation is poor, single-use gadgets and plastic bottles function the one means to keep away from poisoning and infectious illnesses.

Nonetheless, it’s essential to make sure that plastic packaging isn’t carelessly discarded outdoor however is correctly disposed of. Out of 400 million tons of plastic, 300 million find yourself in landfills or incinerators, that means that 100 million tons aren’t disposed of in an environmentally accountable method. This can be a important difficulty that warrants consideration and motion.

Furthermore, the first sources of microplastics should not plastic utensils or packaging however washed (artificial) garments, worn car tires, city mud, and even street markings and marine paint. This means that combating microplastics would require us to surrender driving vehicles and utilizing washing machines. However what would that result in? Individuals can not forgo hygiene requirements, and our present infrastructure and logistics can not present different options that might meet the wants of society.

‘It doesn’t hurt us’: Russian scientist busts myths about microplastics

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