Why we need to take a close look at plastic

Description

The media coverage discusses the pervasive issue of plastic pollution and its implications, with a particular focus on the health impacts of microplastics. It highlights a breakthrough paper by the UCD research team under Dr. Xu (lecturer), for which I, Abhrajyoti Tarafdar, was the lead researcher. The study found that microplastics can directly enter the human bloodstream through plastic infusion equipment used in medical interventions like IV fluids. This is presented as a serious concern as the body has no mechanism to remove microplastics from the bloodstream, allowing them to circulate to all organs, including the brain. The article also touches upon broader solutions to plastic pollution.

Subject

• Plastic pollution and its environmental impact.

• Health risks associated with microplastics, particularly their entry into the human bloodstream via medical equipment.

• Scientific research and innovation in addressing plastic pollution.

• The role of policy in tackling the plastic problem.

• Research conducted at University College Dublin (UCD).