Similar to other organisms, microplastics enter the human body through inhalation and ingestion and will accumulate in the organs. Microplastics are often found in human lungs, livers, spleens, kidneys, and even the placentas of newborn babies. The average adult ingests and inhales up to 320 particles of plastic every day. Each year, the average adult consumes 250 grams of microplastics, which is approximately a heaping dinner plate’s worth of shredded plastic. Chemical additives are used in plastic production to change the physical properties of the plastic, such as changing the colour, increasing durability, improving formability, etc. Chemical additives in plastics can enter the body and are linked to significant health concerns such as inflammation, cardiovascular diseases, cancer, and birth defects. For more information, go here.
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<aside> 🥚 Plastic dinosaur toys contain up to 419 different chemical additives. 126 of these additives are potentially harmful to children. These additives include softeners or plasticisers, flame retardants, stabilisers, fragrances, and colourants. It is recommended that toys be stored in open spaces where fumes will not be inhaled by children.
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