The Ministry of Climate Change revealed that each person in Pakistan inhales approximately 31 out of every 1,000 plastic particles daily, according to a recent study published in the Environmental Science and Technology Journal. The study found that the per capita dietary intake of microplastics is around 31 milligrams per day. Microplastics, which are plastic fragments smaller than five millimeters, originate from industrial waste, beauty products, or the breakdown of larger plastic items.
The presence of microplastics in various ecosystems has raised significant concerns among environmentalists and health specialists. Studies have linked human uptake of microplastics to serious health issues, including endocrine disruption, weight gain, insulin resistance, decreased reproductive health, and cancer. Romina Khurshid Alam, Coordinator to the Prime Minister on Climate Change, emphasized Pakistan’s commitment to combating plastic pollution despite its relatively low ranking among nations facing human microplastic uptake.
The government is collaborating with provincial authorities to address this growing environmental and public health issue. Alam highlighted the importance of managing plastics throughout their lifecycle and reducing their use to mitigate microplastic accumulation in the environment and their uptake by humans. The study noted that airborne and dietary microplastic uptake has increased six-fold globally, posing severe risks to human health and environmental sustainability. Alam called for a global collaborative effort to tackle microplastic pollution through advanced water treatment, effective solid waste management, and replacing single-use plastics with degradable alternatives.
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