Microplastics and our health: What the science says Whether we like it or not, our bodies are now home to tiny bits of plastic that just won’t break down in our environment. So, what does this mean for our long-term health, and what can we do about it? These tiny particles are everywhere—in the water we drink, the food we eat, the clothes we wear, and even the air we breathe. They’ve made their way into every corner of the planet, from vibrant coral reefs to the icy expanses of Antarctica. And they’ve found their way into our bodies, settling in places like brain tissue and reproductive organs. Microplastics those pesky plastic fragments that are up to 5 millimeters long—are simply unavoidable. It’s estimated that between 10 to 40 million metric tons of these particles are released into the environment each year, and if we keep going at this rate, that number could double by 2040. Most of these microplastics come from larger plastic items that break d...
What Happens to Your Body After Breathing Polluted Air for 24 Hours? Imagine you're walking out the door on a hectic morning. The streets are busy, factories are running nonstop, and a thin layer of haze hangs over the city's skyline. You might not realize it right away, but every time you breathe, small amounts of pollution get into your body. Indeed, these elements can start affecting your health just a few hours after exposure. Air pollution has become one of the biggest environmental problems around the world. Health experts say that being around polluted air for a long time can cause serious health problems. But even after just one day of breathing in polluted air, your body can start changing in big ways inside. So, let's look at what happens right from the time polluted air gets into your lungs and how it might affect your whole body. What Is Polluted Air? Contaminated air comprises detrimental substances including: Fine particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10) Carbon mon...