Plastic pollution has become a major global environmental crisis. Millions of plastic or polythene bags are used and discarded each year, contributing to the pollution of land, rivers, and oceans. These bags are non-biodegradable, often persisting for centuries, and pose severe risks to wildlife, ecosystems, and even human health.  Polythene and polypropylene shopping bags have been prohibited in all superstores across Bangladesh from October 1. So, why do plastic bags deserve banning? The answer seems clear when we consider their devastating impact on the environment and our future. Why Banning Plastic Bags Matters . Environmental Impact of Plastic Bags One of the strongest reasons to ban polythene bags is their non-biodegradable nature. Unlike organic materials that decompose over time, plastic bags can persist in the environment for hundreds of years.  When polythene bags are discarded, they often end up in landfills, which have already been reaching their capacities in many areas. The accumulation of plastic waste is causing land degradation and water contamination, making it a pressing issue for environmental sustainability. Read more: Plastic Pollution: Harmful effects on human health and environment Ocean Pollution and Marine Life Plastic bags are one of the biggest contributors to ocean pollution. Millions of tons of plastic waste go into the oceans each year, and polythene bags play a significant role in this crisis. They often break down into smaller particles known as microplastics, which are easily consumed by marine animals.  Sea turtles, dolphins, and seabirds frequently mistake plastic bags for food, leading to fatal consequences. The toxins from plastic can also enter the food chain, threatening the health of both marine life and humans. Harm to Wildlife Wildlife on land is not immune to the dangers of plastic bags. Wildlife and fisheries often encounter discarded polythene bags in their natural habitats. Many of them become entangled in the plastic leading to injury or death. Others may ingest the bags, mistaking them for food, which can cause choking, digestive blockages, or malnutrition.  Domestic animals and birds are also sufferers of plastic pollution. Banning polythene bags would greatly reduce these unnecessary and cruel deaths. Contribution to Climate Change The production of polythene bags is closely tied to fossil fuels, as they are made from petroleum-based products. The extraction and refining of fossil fuels contribute to greenhouse gas emissions, driving climate change.  Additionally, when plastic waste is incinerated as a part of the waste management process, it releases toxic chemicals and increases greenhouse gases into the atmosphere.  Eliminating plastic bags can reduce our reliance on fossil fuels and help in the fight against climate change. Read more: Microplastic in Human Blood: Health Risks and Dangers Human Health Concerns Plastic pollution has begun to infiltrate the food we eat and the water we drink. Microplastics, originating from the breakdown of larger plastic items like bags, have been found in drinking water supplies, seafood, and even table salt.  The long-term health effects of consuming microplastics are still being studied, but early research indicates potential links to cancer, hormone disruption, and other serious health problems. By banning polythene bags, we can reduce one source of this harmful pollution and protect human health. Waste Management Challenges Recycling polythene bags is a difficult process. Only 5% of plastic bags are recycled. They cannot be processed in most curbside recycling programs and often clog machinery in recycling facilities. As a result, many plastic bags end up in landfills or are incinerated, neither of which is a sustainable solution.  The costs associated with managing polythene bag waste are high. And the inefficiencies of the system make it clear that a ban would be more effective than trying to recycle them. Economic Costs of Plastic Pollution Plastic pollution comes with significant economic costs. Governments and local communities work on cleanup efforts, from beaches to city streets. In addition, industries like tourism and fisheries are heavily affected by the damage caused by plastic pollution, as polluted waters and beaches drive tourists away and deplete fish stocks. Banning plastic bags could help alleviate some of these financial burdens and protect vital economic sectors. Alternatives to Plastic Bags There are many eco-friendly alternatives to polythene bags, including paper, cloth, and biodegradable bags. These options are not only better for the environment, but they also promote sustainable habits. This practice can also save money. For example, reusable cloth bags can last for years and eliminate the need for disposable bags. Sonali Bag, invented by scientist Mubarak Ahmad Khan, can be used instead of polythene bags as it is biodegradable and eco-friendly. Encouraging consumers to switch to these alternatives would reduce plastic waste and help foster a more sustainable lifestyle. Read more: Shoppers back polythene ban, worry about alternatives Limitations of a Plastic Bag Ban . Economic Disruption One limitation of banning plastic bags is the potential economic disruption. The plastic manufacturing industry provides jobs for many people, and a ban could lead to job losses in this sector. However, this could also create opportunities in the production of sustainable alternatives, potentially offsetting some of the negative impacts. Public Resistance Many people are accustomed to the convenience of polythene bags and may resist changes to their habits. While it is easy to see the environmental benefits of a ban, some individuals may prioritise convenience over responsibility. Public education and awareness campaigns will be crucial to overcoming this resistance. Worsening the Environmental Impact Polythene bag restrictions reduce usage but may lead to worse alternatives. Paper bags require more energy and resources, while cotton production consumes vast amounts of land, water, and chemicals.  Surprisingly, biodegradable bags can cause significant environmental harm. Consumers might also compensate for ditching plastic by making other eco-harmful choices, feeling justified due to their initial "green" action.  Cost of Alternatives While alternatives like cloth or paper bags are more eco-friendly, they often come with higher production costs. These costs can be passed on to consumers, making it more expensive to switch to sustainable options. Governments and businesses may need to subsidise the cost of alternatives to ensure a smooth transition away from plastic. Read more: Cabinet orders use of alternatives to single-use plastics in all government offices Incomplete Solutions It is important to recognize that banning polythene bags is just one part of the solution to plastic pollution. Plastic waste comes from many sources, including packaging, bottles, and other single-use items. A broader strategy is needed to tackle the full scope of the plastic pollution problem. Final Words The ban on polythene bags is a necessary step toward protecting our environment, wildlife, and human health. While there are some challenges and limitations, the long-term benefits far outweigh the costs.  By reducing plastic waste, we can prevent further damages to our oceans, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and protect wildlife from harm. Collective action, both from governments and individuals, is crucial to making this change successful and ensuring a healthier, more sustainable future.  Read more: Phasing out plastic products: Stakeholders for following global practice

For many years researchers were looking for the answer to how dangerous microplastics are for health and the environment? The recent discovery of microplastic in human blood unlocked some answers. Imagine for a second that numerous tiny plastic particles are floating in your blood and those particles are reaching every part of your body. Laboratory tests have shown that microplastics are capable of causing severe damage to human cells. Here is what we know about the health risks and dangers of microplastic in the human body. What is Microplastic? Microplastics refer to pieces of plastic that are less than 5 mm in size. These are manufactured in ways that don't require high temperatures or harsh chemicals. They can be found in everything from cosmetics to clothes to food. Microplastics have become a global concern as they are ingested by marine animals, bioaccumulate in the food chain, and end up in people's bodies. They also threaten human health via their potential to cause cancer and other serious illnesses. However, scientists are still trying to figure out how to manage them. Read Ready for Ramadan? How to Prepare Your Body for Fasting? Microplastics can enter the environment through wastewater treatment plants, rivers, and oceans. They can also be released when microbeads are washed down the drain. The tiny pieces of plastic can contaminate water sources and wildlife. Studies have found that microplastics are present in greater numbers in aquatic environments than previously thought. How did Researchers find Microplastic in Human Blood? A team of researchers from Vrije University in the Netherlands recently discovered the presence of microplastics in the human body. Scientists have tested blood samples from 22 adults. And they claim that they have found microplastics in the blood of 17 of the 22 people. These microplastics were found in the blood of about 80% of the people tested. However, the scientists also said that none of those people were sick. The study was recently published in the International Journal of Environment. Read Discomfort Anxiety v Depression: Differences, Ways of Prevention Among the 22 samples, half of them contained PET plastic, which is used to make drinks bottles. Besides, one-third of the sample contained polystyrene, which is commonly used in food packaging and other products. And 25% of the samples have polyethylene, the common element of plastic carrier bags. In developing detection systems for microplastics, mathematicians adapted existing practices of analyzing and detecting particles of 0.0007 millimeters or smaller. Most of the blood samples examined contained at least two kinds of plastic. To prevent contamination, they used steel syringe needles and glass tubes. Tests were carried out using blank samples to confirm the background levels of microplastics. To have a clear look at the primary findings, the scientists will broaden the sample size in the next research. Read Organ Donation by Living Donor: Which organs can be donated while alive? How can Microplastic Enter Human Blood? In this regard, scientists claim that all day long, people at home or elsewhere, knowingly or unknowingly, use plastic materials for their daily needs. Mainly from those large plastic materials, relatively small components, for example, microplastics, get mixed in human blood.  However, scientists have claimed that it is nearly impossible to separate those particles from the human body. What are the Health Risks and Dangers of the existence of Microplastic in Human Blood? Sometimes from the environment and sometimes from the plastic material used for everyday needs enters plastic in the human body. Scientists have claimed that there is no decay in them. The researchers said that this could lead to a serious problem in the human body. Following are some of the critical health risks associated with microplastic. Read How Can Shampoo Damage Your Hair? How to Prevent It? Studies have shown that microplastics can cause cancer. If ingested or inhaled, it may create cancer in the human body as it contains various toxic chemicals like polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), BPA (bisphenol A), phthalates, lead compounds, etc. The chemicals that plastics release when they are broken down have been linked with cancer growth. The fibers from microplastics have also been connected with respiratory problems, especially in children. The effect of microplastic depends on the specific plastic element. For example, Bromine can lead to apoptosis and genotoxicity. Genotoxicity is a term used to describe the potential for chemicals or other agents to cause damage to DNA. Genotoxic agents can cause mutations in cells, leading to cancer and other diseases. Cadmium can change calcium, phosphorus, and bone metabolism. Calcium metabolism is affected by estrogen levels, phosphorus metabolism is affected by the acid-base balance, and bone mineralization is affected by the level of estrogen and other hormones. Read Suicide Prevention: How to Deal with Suicidal Thoughts? If the microplastic has copper, it can lead to the formation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), which also includes DNA strand breaks as well as oxidation. Mercury can cause mutagen or carcinogens. Bedsides and affected humans can face induction of the disruption of DNA molecular structure, which may lead to brain damage. Tin can create metal–estrogen, skin rashes, breast cancer, stomach complaints, vomiting, headache and palpitations, diarrhea, abdominal pain, and potential clastogen. Read Kaan Pete Roi: An emotional support helpline in Bangladesh Lead in the blood may cause anemia, hypertension, disruption of nervous Systems, miscarriages, oxidative stress, brain damage, infertility, and cell damage. Final Words A tiny plastic particle known as microplastic has been discovered in human blood recently. Through the blood, plastic particles can spread throughout the body and accumulate in any part of the body. Various research results show how detrimentally plastic pollution has spread across the world. You will not be able to find anywhere there are no plastics, not even on Mount Everest or at the bottom of the ocean. Read Mild Autism: How to identify a child who is slightly autistic? In conclusion, while more research is needed to determine the full extent of the health risks posed by microplastic in the human body, there is enough evidence to suggest that we should take steps to avoid exposing ourselves to these particles as much as possible. Some simple ways to do this include avoiding products that contain microbeads, reducing consumption of seafood, and properly disposing of waste.