THE presence of microplastics is globally increasing in our environment, and, according to a recent study at the Institute of Marine Science, University of Karachi, traces have been found even in human breast milk which is a matter of serious concern.

The study focussed on the underpri-vileged fisherman community along the Karachi coast, whose health and wellbeing are increasingly compromised by envir-onmental pollution. Microplastic particles have made their way into our food chain, ultimately affecting not just humans, but also the most vulnerable, the newborns.

Although microplastics have also been reported in human breast milk in Europe earlier in 2022, the current study revealed a higher concentration of microplastics in the breast milk samples collected from lactating mothers of the fisherman community where seafood consumption is almost a daily habit.

These findings not only indicate the pervasive nature of plastic pollution, but also raise substantial public health con-cerns that need to be addressed. Apart from grappling with economic hardships, the fishermen are waging this unseen battle against an enemy that might influence their children’s health for a long time ahead.

This issue should serve as a wake-up call for policymakers, health professionals, and the public at large. But failing to do so would only exacerbate the gulf that is already widening in society, which will likely leave it as one of the worst hit by climate-related social and environmental unrest. The tsunami of neglect must be met with informed intervention in order to prioritise the health and sustainability of our population.

Recognising the threat of exposure to microplastic pollution is the first step towards controlling the menace of such pollution. As such, more public awareness campaigns, more pollution control stra-tegies, as well as a better waste mana-gement system are the things that are needed urgently.

Undoubtedly, dealing with the problem today will save generations to come from the boogeyman that is buried well within our very own natural resources.

Dr Nazia Arshad
Karachi

Published in Dawn, October 18th, 2024