In a striking transition from business to academia, Sarah Sajedi has chosen to focus her PhD research on the issue of plastic waste, inspired by her observations on the Phi Phi islands in Thailand. While admiring the scenic beauty, Sajedi was confronted by the presence of plastic debris, particularly water bottles, prompting her to address the broader implications of consumption and waste.
Sajedi, a graduate of Concordia University and co-founder of ERA Environmental Management Solutions, has published a significant paper in the Journal of Hazardous Materials. Her research investigates the health risks associated with single-use plastic water bottles, revealing that individuals may ingest between 39,000 and 52,000 microplastic particles annually. Notably, users of bottled water are exposed to an additional 90,000 particles compared to those consuming tap water.
Microplastics, which are often undetectable by the naked eye and range from one micron to five millimeters, are released during the lifecycle of plastic bottles. These particles can enter the human body directly, raising concerns about potential health impacts such as chronic inflammation, hormonal disruption, and even cancer. However, the long-term effects of microplastic exposure remain inadequately studied.
Sajedi highlights the challenges researchers face in measuring these particles, as current methods vary in their ability to detect size and chemical composition. While some methods excel in identifying small particles, they may not reveal their makeup, and the most reliable methods tend to be expensive.
Encouraged by global legislative efforts to reduce plastic waste, Sajedi emphasizes the need for education regarding the risks of single-use plastic bottles. She advocates for a shift in public awareness, stressing that while using bottled water may be acceptable in emergencies, it should not be a daily practice due to the chronic toxicity associated with prolonged exposure.