Recent research has uncovered a troubling new finding: microplastics, which are pervasive in our environment, have been detected in blood clots found in the heart, brain, and legs. These microscopic plastic particles, originating from various sources like synthetic fabrics, personal care products, and plastic waste, pose significant health risks. They contribute to inflammation and can potentially exacerbate cardiovascular diseases, highlighting a pressing need for action against environmental pollution.
How Microplastics get in Our Blood Stream
Microplastics can enter the bloodstream through several pathways, primarily involving ingestion and inhalation. When microplastics are ingested through contaminated food and water, they can cross the intestinal barrier, especially if they are small enough, and enter the circulatory system. Inhaled microplastics, often from airborne fibers in indoor and outdoor environments, can lodge in the lungs and potentially penetrate lung tissue to reach the bloodstream. Additionally, microplastics can enter the body through dermal absorption, particularly through wounds or lesions. Once in the bloodstream, these tiny particles can circulate throughout the body, potentially accumulating in various organs and tissues.
The Problem with Microplastics
Microplastics are tiny plastic particles less than 5 millimeters in size. They result from the breakdown of larger plastic items or are manufactured for specific products. These particles are now ubiquitous, found in oceans, soil, and even in the air we breathe. The presence of microplastics in human tissues and organs raises concerns about their long-term health impacts, including their potential role in causing blood clots and other cardiovascular issues
The Fashion Industry’s Role
The fashion industry is a significant contributor to the microplastics problem. Synthetic fabrics like polyester, nylon, and acrylic shed microfibers during washing, which then enter water systems and eventually the food chain. Moreover, the industry’s reliance on fast fashion exacerbates environmental pollution through excessive water usage, chemical pollution, and massive amounts of textile waste
Introducing Revogue
Revogue, an innovative app created by 15-year-old environmental advocate Soor Sanghvi, aims to address some of these issues by fostering a community focused on sustainable fashion. The app encourages users to share and reuse clothing, reducing the need for new apparel and, consequently, lowering the environmental impact associated with fast fashion.
How Revogue Works
Revogue operates as a social platform where users can donate, share, and request clothing items. By uploading gently used garments, users can give these items a second life, keeping them out of landfills and reducing the demand for new clothing. This sharing economy model helps minimize textile waste and the release of microplastics into the environment
Benefits of Using Revogue
1. **Environmental Impact**: By promoting the reuse of clothing, Revogue helps reduce the volume of textile waste and the release of harmful microfibers into water systems.
2. Community Building: The app connects like-minded individuals who are committed to sustainable living, fostering a supportive and eco-conscious community.
3. Cost Savings: Users can save money by acquiring gently used clothing items for free or at a reduced cost, making sustainable fashion accessible to a broader audience.
The discovery of microplastics in human blood clots underscores the urgent need to address environmental pollution. By adopting sustainable practices in our daily lives, such as participating in platforms like Revogue, we can collectively make a significant impact. Revogue not only offers a practical solution to reduce waste and pollution but also empowers individuals to take part in a movement towards a greener future.
Join the Revogue community today and be part of the change for a healthier planet and a safer, more sustainable fashion industry.
For more information and to download the app, visit Revogue.org