An Australian man says no matter where you are, no matter how young and healthy you are, the amount of plastic entering your body can reach alarming levels.
What happened?
The ABC spoke to Sutherland Shire councilor and ocean advocate Kal Glanznig, 25, who had a urine test to find out if he had been exposed to plastic. When he considered the impact of these results on his future plans to start a family, he was shocked.
“The chemical that really stands out is phthalates, which are chemicals that have been directly linked to infertility,” he said.
The results showed that Glanznig had higher levels of plastic chemicals than the average American, but his biggest concern was the link to reproductive problems.
“The revelation inside me left me breathless,” he said.
The test will be included in his documentary Plastic Nation.
Why does plastic pollution matter?
Glanznig’s test results are another data point showing that no one is immune to the effects of plastic exposure in the body. Research in this area is still in its early stages, but there are numerous studies pointing to the health hazards of microplastics.
Research has linked microplastic exposure to a variety of risks, such as an increased threat of cancer, impaired brain function and hormone disruption.
Glanznig’s own research shows that despite several initiatives, Australia still falls short in tackling plastic pollution.
A 2022 report found that each Australian produces 147 kilograms (324 pounds) of single-use plastic waste each year. According to the ABC, the recycling rate for the 2023-24 financial year is 14%, well below the 50% target.
The country is the world’s second-largest producer of plastic waste, with Australians using three times the global average. Glanznig found plastic pollution threatens everything from remote Aboriginal beaches to sea turtles at Sydney’s Taronga Zoo.
What measures are being taken globally to combat plastic pollution?
A global plastics treaty has so far failed to bear fruit, with countries including the United States blocking production caps.
However, efforts are underway to find environmentally friendly alternatives for industries that rely heavily on plastic. Another way to address the crisis is to invest in reuse and recycling programs while avoiding the use of the most unrecyclable plastics.
It is crucial for consumers to minimize their use of plastic and take steps to avoid exposure to plastic particles – throwing away items such as plastic water bottles, food containers, cutlery and coffee pods.
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