Today's KNOWLEDGE Share : Toxic Plastics & Microplastics ---> Unseen Lifesavers

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Today's KNOWLEDGE Share

Toxic Plastics & Microplastics: The Silent Killers... or the Unseen Lifesavers?


🧬 If plastics and microplastics are supposed to be killing us, then why has human lifespan increased by 60% since 1945❓


⏪Let’s rewind a bit. In 1945, the global average life expectancy was around 46 years.


⏩ Fast forward to 2025, and that number will hit 73.5 years. What changed? Yes, advances in healthcare and nutrition—but also plastics.


From Bakelite in 1907 to today’s medical innovations. In the 1940's packaging revolutions, and life-saving materials, plastics took off became central to our extended, healthier lives.


𝗪𝗵𝘆 𝗶𝘀 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗶𝗺𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁𝗮𝗻𝘁❓


🔹𝗠𝗲𝗱𝗶𝗰𝗮𝗹 𝗜𝗻𝗻𝗼𝘃𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻: Plastics are found in everything from syringes and IV bags to prosthetics and heart valves—saving lives and overcoming injuries that were once fatal.


🔹𝗙𝗼𝗼𝗱 𝗦𝗮𝗳𝗲𝘁𝘆 & 𝗣𝗿𝗲𝘀𝗲𝗿𝘃𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻: Plastics made it possible to store food safely, extend its shelf life, and get it to people around the globe efficiently.


🔹𝗦𝗮𝗻𝗶𝘁𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 & 𝗛𝘆𝗴𝗶𝗲𝗻𝗲: From plastic water bottles to disposable hygiene products, plastics have been instrumental in promoting sanitation, preventing disease, and improving health worldwide.


🔹𝗦𝘂𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗶𝗻𝗮𝗯𝗶𝗹𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗶𝗻 𝗛𝗲𝗮𝗹𝘁𝗵𝗰𝗮𝗿𝗲: Their flexibility and durability have made healthcare more affordable, accessible, and effective for all.


We have 50 years worth of peer reviewed studies. FDA has confirmed that plastics are non-toxic and have been rigorously tested for safety—especially in food and medical applications.


Far from being a convenience, plastics have been an essential enabler of the modern, long, and healthy life we often take for granted.


Yes, we can do better with waste management, but for now, if you can’t recycle it—bury it. I’d rather bury plastics than bury people.


If you're longing for a world without plastics, you’re on your own. I’m not interested in returning to 1938.


What are your thoughts on plastics' role in your life? Let’s discuss!


source: Daniel O'Kelly

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