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

GMA Integrated News

13 Jun 202403:24

Summary

TLDRThe 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.

Outlines

00:00

🌍 Microplastic Ingestion in the Philippines

The video discusses the alarming issue of microplastic ingestion, highlighting the Philippines as one of the countries with the highest incidence of this problem. Microplastics are defined as plastic particles smaller than 5mm, often originating from the degradation of larger plastic materials. A study from Cornell University in the United States has identified the Philippines, Malaysia, and Indonesia as the top three countries with the highest microplastic ingestion rates. The primary sources of these microplastics are believed to be aquatic, such as fish and shellfish. The video also mentions a study involving 100 fish samples from various markets across the Philippines, all of which tested positive for microplastics. The World Bank estimates that the Philippines consumes approximately 163 million sachets daily, contributing to about 2.3 million tons of plastic waste annually. The potential health effects of microplastic ingestion include infections and inflammation due to cell or organ damage. The video concludes with a call for reduced plastic use and the need for legislation to support further research into the issue.

Mindmap

Keywords

💡Microplastic Ingestion

Microplastic ingestion refers to the consumption of tiny plastic particles, usually smaller than 5mm, that enter the human body. In the context of the video, it highlights how countries like the Philippines, Malaysia, and Indonesia experience high levels of microplastic ingestion through aquatic sources such as fish. This phenomenon emphasizes the severity of plastic pollution and its direct impact on human health.

💡Plastic Waste

Plastic waste is discarded plastic materials that contribute to pollution in the environment. The video notes that the Philippines produces around 2.3 million tons of plastic waste, largely driven by the consumption of sachets. This waste eventually breaks down into microplastics, which can enter the food chain and the human body.

💡Aquatic Sources

Aquatic sources refer to water-based ecosystems, such as oceans, rivers, and lakes, where plastic pollution is prevalent. In the video, aquatic sources like fish and shellfish, particularly oysters, are identified as major carriers of microplastics, which are then ingested by humans when consumed. This shows the interconnection between marine pollution and human health.

💡Talaba (Oyster)

Talaba, or oyster, is a type of shellfish frequently consumed in the Philippines. The video explains that 100% of the oysters tested in the study were found to contain microplastics. This serves as a striking example of how deeply microplastic contamination has infiltrated the food chain, emphasizing the need for action.

💡Cornell University Study

The Cornell University study is an academic research initiative that investigated microplastic ingestion across 193 countries. The findings showed that the Philippines, Malaysia, and Indonesia have some of the highest rates of microplastic ingestion, positioning this study as a key piece of evidence to underscore the magnitude of the problem in Southeast Asia.

💡Inflammation

Inflammation refers to the body's immune response to harmful stimuli, which can result in swelling and irritation. The video mentions that microplastic ingestion can lead to inflammation in organs like the intestines, potentially causing long-term health issues. This highlights one of the serious health risks associated with microplastic exposure.

💡World Bank

The World Bank is an international financial institution that provides economic analysis and aid to countries. In the video, the World Bank’s estimate that the Philippines uses 163 million sachets daily underscores the scale of plastic consumption, which contributes significantly to the plastic waste problem and, subsequently, to microplastic pollution.

💡Green Thinking

Green thinking is an environmental philosophy that encourages reducing waste and promoting sustainability. Experts in the video stress the importance of adopting 'green thinking' by reducing plastic usage to help mitigate the harmful effects of microplastic pollution. This reflects a call for a more eco-conscious lifestyle to protect both the environment and human health.

💡Plastic Resin

Plastic resin refers to the base material used in the production of plastic products. The video notes that only 28% of plastic resin is recycled in the Philippines, contributing to the vast amounts of plastic waste and microplastic contamination. The low recycling rate highlights the need for better waste management systems.

💡Health Risks

Health risks refer to potential negative effects on human health due to exposure to harmful substances. The video outlines several health risks associated with microplastic ingestion, including infection, inflammation, and damage to internal organs. This emphasizes the urgency of addressing the microplastic crisis to protect public health.

Highlights

The Philippines is one of the countries with the highest incidents of microplastic ingestion.

Microplastics enter the body through various means, including food and air.

A study by Cornell University found the Philippines, Malaysia, and Indonesia to have the highest microplastic ingestion rates.

Microplastics are plastic particles smaller than 5 mm, including fiber fragments and granules.

Most ingested plastic particles come from aquatic sources like fish and seafood.

Indonesia, identified as the top consumer of microplastics, ingests up to 15 grams per month.

In the Philippines, there is no study yet measuring human consumption of microplastics.

Researchers collected 300 oysters from various markets in the Philippines and found 100% positive for microplastics.

The World Bank estimates the Philippines consumes about 163 million sachets daily, contributing to 2.3 million tons of plastic waste.

Only 28% of plastic resins are recognized and recycled in the Philippines.

Microplastics can also be inhaled, posing additional health risks.

Ingestion or inhalation of microplastics can cause infections and damage to cells and organs.

Microplastics can lead to inflammation of the intestinal lining.

Experts advise reducing plastic use and adopting green thinking to mitigate risks.

There is a need for legislation to fund deeper studies on microplastic effects.