A new study warns against health risks linked to the use of dishwasher

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Dishwasher: This household appliances could discreetly contribute to a significant release of the dangerous particles for health. Meanwhile,

In our daily lives, few gestures seem as harmless as that of placing a plastic container in the dishwasher. In addition, We do it almost mechanically. For example, without imagining that this banal habit can have worrying consequences for our health and for the environment. For example,

However, a recent study by the University of Queensland new study warns against health (Australia) sounds alarm: this device, present in millions of households, could be a major and silent source of microplastics pollution.

What is microplastics? – New study warns against health

Far from being a distant or marginal threat, microplastics have become global concern. These are tiny plastic fragments. measuring less than five millimeters, from the degradation of products exposed to heat, friction or repeated use.

Their size is so tiny that they escape conventional water treatment systems. Even more alarming: they are found today in unsuspected places such as the human placenta, pulmonary tissues or even blood.

The dishwasher, a discreet daily polluter – New study warns against health

The study, published in the journal ACS ES&T Waterfocuses on a very precise scenario: the domestic dishwasher. According to the researchers. a single washing cycle with plastic utensils can Release up to 920,000 plastic particles in the evacuation network.

“It is an apparently harmless gesture”warn the authors, “But the data reveal a considerable and cumulative impact”. Reported to a whole year and at the scale of a home, this figure climbs to 33 million particles. Multiplied by the number of dishwashers in operation in the world. new study warns against health this gives an idea of ​​the extent of this pollution invisible.

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The danger of microplastics

Although the dishwasher is not the only source of microplastics in the environment, its role becomes more and more worrying. The combination of hot water, detergents and abrasive cycles promotes the degradation of plastic.

This especially when the containers are not designed new study warns against health to withstand these conditions. Result: Invisible particles are released, then evacuated to sewers, rivers, seas and groundwater.

Environmental health specialists express an increasing concern in the face of prolonged exposure to microplastics. Not only because of their toxicity potential. but also because they can serve as vectors to heavy metalspersistent organic compounds or pathogenic bacteria.

The long -term effects of the presence of microplastics new study warns against health in the human body are still poorly understood. Nevertheless, certain preliminary studies connect them to inflammationsof the perturbations hormonal and possible risks for immune system.

So, should we say goodbye in the dishwasher?

For the moment. scientists recommend gestures simplemore efficient :

Avoid washing dishwasher not designed to resist heat;

Favor glass or stainless steel containers;

Limit the use of disposable or poor quality utensils.