Microplastics, defined as tiny plastic fragments less than 5 mm in length, come from the decomposition of various plastic products, such as plastic bags, takeaway plastic boxes, plastic bottles, packaging materials, etc. The presence of microplastics is of widespread concern because they can enter water, soil, and air in the environment, as well as enter the food chain, and eventually enter the human body, negatively affecting our health.
Microplastics are present in the bottled water we drink, the clothes we wear, and even the air we breathe, and it is estimated that an average person consumes about 5 grams of microplastic particles per week, which is equivalent to eating a "bank card" of plastic every week.
The "cleaning artifact" Magic Eraser, a polymer of melamine and formaldehyde, has a strong cleaning power and can remove almost all stubborn stains, including kitchens, floors, small white shoes, etc. However, in the process of use, it needs to rub against the object, and the microplastics will fall off when scrubbing.
近日，南京大学、东南大学等研究人员在《环境科学与技术》期刊上发表了一篇题为" Mechanochemical Formation of Poly(melamine-formaldehyde) Microplastic Fibers During Abrasion of Cleaning Sponges "的研究论文。
The study shows that the cleaning sponge releases 6.5 million microplastics per gram of wear, and based on the monthly sales volume shown on Amazon, and assuming an average of 10% wear and tear across all sponges sold, it can be calculated that this sponge releases 1.55 trillion microplastics per month.
In this study, the researchers simulated the typical use of the magic sponge wipe, performed reciprocating wear, and analyzed how the density of the cleaning sponge would affect the decomposition rate of the sponge through a variety of technical means, and calculated the number of microplastics shed by the cleaning sponge.
The researchers first purchased three well-known brands of cleaning sponges from the domestic market and then rubbed them repeatedly against a textured metal surface, causing the sponges to wear out.
It was found that the denser cleaning sponge wore out more slowly and produced fewer microplastic fibers.
Further analysis of the amount of microplastics revealed that about 6.5 million microplastic fibers were released per gram of cleaning sponge wear.
Based on cumulative sales data displayed on Amazon.com, researchers estimate that at least 590 million cleaning sponges, or about 7.5 tons, have been sold worldwide.
By analysing monthly sales and assuming that all sponges sold wear out an average of 10 percent, the researchers calculated that the sponge could release 1.55 trillion microplastics per month.
However, the researchers noted that the study only considered one retailer, so the actual amount of microplastics detached is likely to be much higher.
To minimize emissions from microplastic fibers, manufacturers are advised to produce cleaner sponges that are denser, tougher and more wear-resistant, the researchers said. In addition, the researchers also advise consumers to try not to use plastic cleaning products.
It is worth mentioning that a number of recent studies have shown that microplastics have fully invaded the human body, including the lungs, blood, intestines, liver, brain, heart, placenta, and even the human reproductive system, or have a negative impact on our health.
2024年4月10日，美国新墨西哥大学的研究人员在" Environmental Health Perspectives "期刊上发表了一篇题为" In Vivo Tissue Distribution of Polystyrene or Mixed Polymer Microspheres and Metabolomic Analysis after Oral Exposure in Mice "的研究论文。
Studies have shown that ingested microplastics are transferred from the intestines to the kidneys, liver and brain. In addition, microplastics alter metabolic pathways in the colon, liver, and brain. These suggest that microplastics can cross the intestinal barrier and penetrate into other tissues, as well as alter metabolic pathways in affected tissues.
2024年3月7日，意大利坎帕尼亚大学的研究人员在《新英格兰医学杂志》上发表了一篇题为" Microplastics and Nanoplastics in Atheromas and Cardiovascular Events "的研究论文。
This study is the first to demonstrate the link between microplastics and human health, which may significantly increase the risk of heart disease and death. People who were detected with microplastics had a 4.53-fold higher risk of heart disease, stroke, and all-cause death at the next 34 months of follow-up compared to those who did not have microplastics and nanoplastics detected in the arteries.
Global plastic use has grown exponentially in recent years, about doubling every 10-15 years, so even if we stop using plastic now, the total amount of plastic will triple by 2050. What's more, we can't stop using plastic products right now.
Nowadays, plastic products are everywhere in our lives, and there are more and more microplastics in our bodies, and we can only avoid the harm caused by microplastics by reducing the use of them.
Paper Links:
https://doi.org/10.1021/acs.est.4c00846
https://www.acs.org/pressroom/presspacs/2024/june/melamine-sponges-shed-microplastics-when-scrubbed.html
https://doi.org/10.1289/EHP13435
https://www.nejm.org/doi/10.1056/NEJMoa2309822
Published in: Yinuovi
Original title: Nanjing University found that the cleaning sponge commonly used in the kitchen sheds trillions of microplastics every month, or greatly increases the risk of heart disease and death