A recent study from St. Louis University found that a cave system located in Missouri had microplastics located in its water and sediment, despite being off limits to people for three decades. This alarming find shows just how pervasive the contamination of microplastics has become, and that even areas ostensibly untouched by humanity can still be polluted. This raises questions of just how extensive microplastic contamination is, and what might need to be done to address it.
What Are Microplastics?
Microplastics are, as the name suggests, incredibly small pieces of plastic, usually less than five millimeters in size. These tiny pieces of plastic are usually the result of discarded or broken down pieces of plastic, which enter the environment as a result of improper disposal or unsafe manufacturing practices. People may ingest microplastics in their food (if they were consumed by another animal) or in water (if they drink from contaminated water sources).
What Are the Dangers of Microplastics?
The exact dangers of microplastics are still being studied. However, at least one study has found that ingestion of microplastics can lead to an increased risk of many serious medical conditions, such as obesity, cardiovascular disease, reproductive problems, and breast cancer. Part of the difficulty of assessing the risks of microplastics comes from the fact that they are actually made of many different chemicals, each of which may carry its own health risks.
What is the Importance of This Study?
This study on the water and sediment in an isolated cave system shows just how extensive microplastic contamination is. Even though no living human has been in the cave for approximately thirty years, there are still signs of these contaminants being present. This hints that microplastics may be a far more prevalent issue than we now realize, which may lead to more extensive testing of water sources to limit the risk of exposure.
How Could This Affect You?
If you or someone you love has been found to have elevated levels of microplastics in your body, and you are experiencing negative health effects associated with microplastic exposure, you may be able to seek compensation for the harm you have suffered. However, to know what options you may have available, you should speak to a lawyer with experience handling environmental contamination cases. They can help you with your claim, and ensure you get the justice you deserve.
Williams Cedar is a law firm dedicated to helping clients with personal injury, environmental law, and civil rights cases. We specialize in assisting clients who have been injured due to exposure to environmental toxins, including veterans and their loved ones. If you need legal assistance due to toxic exposure or other related matters, please give us a call at our New Jersey and Pennsylvania offices at (215) 557-0099, or visit our contact page.