Microplastics are pervasive in our environment, found in the water we drink, the air we breathe, food packaging, and even our clothing. On average, individuals ingest approximately 5 grams of plastic per week—equivalent to consuming a credit card. The scale of health and environmental hazards caused by microplastics is alarming, as plastic has become an integral part of everyday life, including personal hygiene products. The urgent need to address this issue stems from the widespread use of plastic, which poses severe risks worldwide.

Plastic debris, regardless of its shape or size, harms the environment. Microplastics—fragments smaller than 5 mm—are particularly hazardous as they result from plastic pollution and are present in numerous daily-use products. Landfills significantly contribute to the disintegration of plastic into microplastics due to biochemical reactions, including temperature fluctuations, high salinity, low pH, and methane gas production. Research indicates that Maldives beaches have the highest plastic concentration globally, with approximately 280 million tonnes of plastic entering oceans annually.

Microplastics infiltrate the human body through ingestion, inhalation, and dermal exposure. Primary microplastics, such as exfoliating beads in skincare products and toothpaste, are intentionally manufactured in small sizes. Once inside the body, they accumulate in tissues,........

© The Spine Times