Pilipinas, kabilang sa mga bansang may pinakamaraming microplastic ingestion | 24 Oras

Summary

The Philippines is one of the countries with the highest incidents of microplastic ingestion, according to a study by Cornell University. Microplastics, which are tiny plastic particles smaller than 5 mm, are often consumed through aquatic sources like fish and seafood. In the Philippines, 100% of oysters tested were found to contain microplastics. While human consumption rates of microplastics in the country are still unmeasured, experts warn of the potential health risks, such as infections and intestinal inflammation. The report stresses reducing plastic use and enacting laws to fund further research.

Takeaways

• 🌍 The Philippines is among the countries with the highest incidence of microplastic ingestion, along with Malaysia and Indonesia.
• 🔬 Researchers from Cornell University in the United States found that microplastics are small plastic particles less than 5 mm in size, often coming from aquatic sources like fish and shellfish.
• 📊 Indonesia tops the list as the highest consumer of microplastics, ingesting up to 15 grams per month, while the Philippines and Malaysia are also highlighted.
• 🐟 A study involving 300 oysters from various markets across the Philippines found 100% of the samples tested positive for microplastics.
• 🌏 The World Bank estimates that the Philippines consumes up to 163 million pieces of plastic sachets daily, contributing to approximately 2.3 million tons of plastic waste.
• 🚮 Only 28% of plastic resin is recognized to be consumed by microplastics, indicating a significant portion of plastic waste is not accounted for.
• 🌬️ Microplastics can be inhaled through the air, ingested through food, or absorbed through the skin, potentially causing health issues.
• 🏥 Health effects of microplastics include causing infections due to cell or organ damage, and inflammation of the intestinal lining.
• 🌱 Experts suggest reducing plastic use and adopting green thinking to mitigate the impact of microplastics.
• 🏛️ There is a call for legislation to allocate funds for more in-depth research on microplastics to better understand and address the issue.

Q & A

What is the main concern discussed in the transcript regarding the Philippines?

The main concern is the high incidence of microplastic ingestion in the Philippines, which is among the top countries globally for this issue.

What are microplastics and why are they a concern?

Microplastics are small plastic particles less than 5 mm in size, such as fibers, fragments, or granules that come from degraded plastics. They are a concern because they can be ingested by humans and wildlife, potentially causing health problems.

Which countries, besides the Philippines, are mentioned as having high microplastic ingestion rates?

Malaysia and Indonesia are also mentioned as having high microplastic ingestion rates, along with the Philippines.

What is the source of most ingested microplastics according to the transcript?

Most ingested microplastics are believed to come from aquatic sources, such as fish and shellfish.

What was the finding from the study conducted by researchers from Cornell University in the United States?

The study found that the Philippines, Malaysia, and Indonesia are among the top three countries in the world with the highest incidence of microplastic ingestion.

What was the result of the study involving 300 oysters from various markets in the Philippines?

The study found that 100% of the oysters examined were positive for microplastics.

What does the World Bank estimate the daily consumption of sachets in the Philippines to be?

The World Bank estimates that the Philippines consumes up to 163 million pieces of sachets daily.

What are the potential health effects of microplastic ingestion mentioned in the transcript?

Potential health effects include infections due to cell or organ damage, and inflammation of the intestinal lining.

What is the advice given by experts to reduce the risk of microplastic ingestion?

Experts advise reducing the use of plastics and adopting green thinking, as well as the need for legislation to allocate funds for more in-depth research on the issue.

What is the estimated percentage of plastic resin that is consumed in the form of microplastics?

It is estimated that only 28% of the plastic resin is recognized as being consumed in the form of microplastics.

How can microplastics be ingested besides through food?

Microplastics can also be ingested through air and water consumption.