Why Is the Topic of Microplastics Gaining Attention?
On my journey of professional development, I was astonished to discover just how many dental and oral care products contain microplastics. Until then, the term "microplastics" was unfamiliar to me. Curious, I delved into the subject to understand its implications—and to explore whether this might be linked to the increasing complaints from my patients about sensitive teeth. Notably, heat and cold sensitivity in teeth is becoming more common, even among younger individuals. As a dentist dedicated to preserving my patients’ oral health, I felt compelled to investigate this phenomenon.
Microplastics in Everyday Products
Microplastics, often made of materials like polyethylene and polypropylene, are tiny, non-biodegradable particles that have become ubiquitous in the cosmetic industry. They are used in products such as:
- Toothpaste: As polishing agents to enhance cleaning.
- Exfoliating creams: As microbeads to create a scrubbing effect.
In many cases, microplastics are included for purely aesthetic reasons, such as adding vibrant colors or glitter to products.
If you’re curious, try this experiment: strain a small amount of toothpaste through a fine sieve. The leftover particles will reveal just how many microplastic beads are hidden in everyday products.
The environmental impact is staggering. Wastewater treatment facilities are unable to filter out the vast quantities of microplastics, allowing them to flow into lakes, rivers, and oceans. Marine life ingests these particles, and eventually, the microplastics make their way back to our plates—a troubling reality.
The Current State of Research
Studies suggest microplastics have infiltrated nearly every aspect of our lives, including food, drinking water, and even milk. Research conducted by the University of Vienna found microplastic particles in human stool samples from participants across the globe, underscoring the global scale of the issue.
In Germany alone, approximately 330,000 tons of primary microplastics are released into the environment each year.
The German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR) acknowledges this problem, stating that microplastic ingestion is inevitable due to accidental swallowing during the use of microplastic-laden products like toothpaste.
Although definitive studies on the long-term effects of microplastics on human health are lacking, concerns are mounting. Potential consequences include:
- Increased exposure to harmful chemicals.
- Inflammatory reactions in the body.
A 2019 study by the University of Newcastle revealed that the average person consumes up to five grams of plastic per week—the equivalent of ingesting a credit card.
A Call to Action
The World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) issued a report in 2019 urging governments worldwide to take immediate steps to reduce plastic pollution.
Progress has been made in some countries:
- Bans on microplastics in cosmetics exist in the UK, USA, Canada, Sweden, and New Zealand.
- Germany has implemented a voluntary agreement between the government and industry, aiming for a gradual phase-out starting in 2020.
However, recent findings indicate an alarming trend: rather than decreasing, the number of products containing microplastics is on the rise.
Environmentally Friendly Alternatives
Replacing microplastics in products is entirely feasible. For example:
- Cellulose, a biodegradable material, is an eco-friendly alternative that performs similar functions in cosmetic and dental care products.
Conclusion
Microplastics not only pollute our oceans but also infiltrate our food, water, and even the air we breathe. The growing body of research is a wake-up call, emphasizing the urgent need for action at every level—government, industry, and individual.
By choosing environmentally responsible products and supporting efforts to reduce microplastics, we can help mitigate this global crisis and protect our health and our planet.