Health Experts Warn of Severe Risks from Plastic and Microplastics

Dangers of Burning Plastic

Responding to a question on a common practice of burning plastic, Dr. Edirisinghe warned,

“Yes, it is extremely dangerous. Burning plastic releases a gas called dioxin, which is carcinogenic. When small plastic items or bottles are burned, these cancer-causing particles enter our respiratory system. This is highly harmful.”

Plastic Bottled Water Concerns

He also raised concerns over drinking water stored in plastic bottles.

“Most drinking water is packaged in plastic bottles. When these bottles are left exposed to sunlight, the plastic layers inside begin to degrade, releasing harmful substances into the water. We unknowingly consume this. For that reason, drinking water from plastic bottles should be avoided as much as possible,” he said.

Understanding Microplastics

Plastics have been in use since the 1950s, but microplastics tiny, invisible plastic particles  were only discovered in 2004. This raises the question of whether they had already been accumulating in our bodies long before they were identified.

How Microplastics Enter the Human Body

According to Dr. Edirisinghe, the main way microplastics enter our body is through inhalation.

 “We may not realize it, but the environment is full of microplastic particles. Though invisible, they can enter the lungs when we breathe.”

Additionally, some cosmetic creams may contain microplastics. If applied to broken skin, these particles can enter the bloodstream and travel to vital organs such as the brain, liver, and heart. Alarmingly, microplastics in a mother’s body can be passed on to her child through breast milk.

Health Effects of Microplastics

Microplastics can cause DNA mutations, potentially leading to cancer. They can also activate harmful genes while suppressing tumor-fighting genes. There is also a risk of microplastics accumulating in the brain.

Other Sources of Microplastic Exposure

Dr. Edirisinghe highlighted other overlooked sources, including certain tea bags made with plastic components, and nylon clothing, which releases microfibers into water during washing. These particles can eventually enter the human body.

A Strong Public Warning

 “Plastic has become part of our daily lives, but its harmful effects are extremely serious. Burning plastic, drinking from plastic bottles, and using products containing microplastics should be minimized. This is not only a threat to our health, but also to future generations. Everyone must act now to reduce plastic use,” he urged.

Our heartfelt thanks on behalf of the Ziradaily to Dr. Sajith Edirisinghe for sharing these vital insights with the public.