In this regard, it is convenient to talk about microplastics, which, according to the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO), are tiny plastic particles, no larger than five millimeters, composed of polymers and potentially toxic additives.

It is known that the oceans are the areas of the planet most affected by plastic pollution, as evidenced by several pictures of these large extensions of sea, where the degradation of the material occurs, a process that results in microplastics.

According to PAHO, another source of microplastics is the washing of synthetic clothing, which is responsible for one third of the oceanic microplastics.

Although there is a lack of research on how they affect the human body, respiratory, endocrine and cardiovascular effects are already known.

They can also harm people through inhalation when released by tire abrasion, synthetic textile wear, burning of garbage and other processes.

PAHO’s regional advisor on health, environment and climate change, Luis Francisco Sánchez, said that its damaget on human wellbeing depends on the degree and type of exposure, the route of entry into the body and also on factors such as state of health, nutrition, tobacco consumption, among others.

Although the issue is gaining ground in the media agenda, specialists consider that there is still a long way to go to understand the true effect this has on human health.

For this reason, PAHO seeks to promote studies that provide greater knowledge of how these residuals harm human beings and the environment.

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