In recent years, narratives surrounding microplastics have been woven into an ecological apocalypse story that ultimately portrays the world’s crumbling pictures as the brink of environmental disasters. We are told that these tiny particles are accumulating in our lungs, liver and intestines through intake and inhalation. We are being spooned for anecdotes that microplastics are poisoning our oceans, destroying entire ecosystems, polluting our soils, and promoting greenhouse gas emissions. Microplastics appear to be threatening the geological structures of life on Earth.
The only problem is that it's all lies.
It's time to face the discomfort truth about microplastics. The actual science is far from the apocalyptic scenario we are being caused, and clearly demonstrates that the root of many media speech is more important in fear than in fact. Frankly, I was furious at the sharp contrast between microplastic reality and the fantasy we are full of. Not just me; the US FDA also issued a statement saying they don't see any threat based on their comments on science.
The truth is that science and scientists have proven that we are deceived and bewildered to believe in this fabrication because, in general, scary people are profitable. Sensational audiences attract viewers, collect higher ratings and increase audience engagement, ultimately resulting in targeted advertising that resonates with the emotional state of the audience or reader, but ignores the obvious moral concerns and harmful consequences of this practice.
Fear of microplastics has been monetized, and to maximize alertness and anxiety (and therefore income), these reports exaggerate the effects of microplastics by describing biological and environmental post-effects associated with microdose rates that occur in real life. Dosage rates that no one has ever been exposed to in the real world. It's more than just a shameful dishonesty. It is intentionally distorting the facts, originating from operationally confused environmental groups, looking for donations and striving to deal with identity crises.
It is difficult to express the level of deception we have exposed. For example, plastic only makes up 0.001% of the weight of dust we consume and 50 years of testing showed that it is non-toxic. The remaining 99.999% of our ingestion contains lead, arsenic, mercury and known carcinogens such as lead toxins such as quartz and asbestos. However, since their effects may be less obvious and more complex (obviously more harmful), this is all plastic. This is a reckless crime.
The latest story about microplastics in our bodies sounds shocking until you consider the fact that particles in our bodies have been studied since 1844. So this is hardly new or groundbreaking information. Over time, we bias the narrative towards narrative by ignoring the presence of other (more harmful) particles, making the plastic appear problematic.
A recent intimidation story claims that we have a tablespoon of microplastic in our brains. Who believes in this kind of nonsense? The study has been debunked over and over by appropriate scientists who point out that the study relies on a method that simply does not work. The method they use, called pyrolytic GC-MS, detects the lipids and other substances we need in the brain, not plastic.
It’s time to shift the focus to real threats and demand real, scientifically based information. Fear is not a worthwhile guide. Ration and evidence must be guided. Data show that plastics account for less than 1% of the materials we use every day, and most commonly, materials with the least biological and environmental impact. Plastic use may lead to a reduction in waste and greenhouse gases while limiting the use of fossil fuels. If we continue this baseless campaign to demonize this material, our world will be affected.
Photo: Blue Planet Studio, Getty Images
Dr. Chris Dearmitt, President and Founder of Phantom Plastics, brings expertise in plastic material formulations to some of the world's most complex industrial challenges. He works with Fortune 100 companies and other leading organizations to quickly identify solutions by integrating large amounts of technical data through innovative problem-solving methods.
His trail has been recognized by a major open innovation platform, which has placed him at the highest ranking among global innovators who solve difficult industrial problems. As a popular spokesperson and recognized plastics authority, Dr. Dearmitt presented at a global conference and made his debut in major media including CBS 60 Minutes, Sky News and the BBC. He did not pay by the plastics industry.
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