A new study has uncovered a potential environmental and health hazard lurking in many households: melamine sponges, commonly known as "magic" sponges. These cleaning tools, praised for their effectiveness, may release trillions of microplastic particles into the environment each month, according to research published in the Environmental Science & Technology journal.
Researchers from Nanjing University in China found that these sponges, made of a network of hard plastic strands formed into a lightweight foam, break down during use, releasing tiny plastic particles called microplastics. These particles can potentially enter the water supply and food chain, raising concerns about their impact on human health and the environment.
The study revealed that on average, a single sponge releases approximately 6.5 million fibers per gram of worn-out material. Using sales data from a major online retailer and assuming a 10% wear rate, the researchers estimated that roughly 1.55 trillion microplastic fibers could be released from these sponges every month.
"[Our results] suggest a global overall emission of 4.9 trillion microplastic fibers due to sponge consumption," the researchers write. They note that this figure likely underestimates the true scale of the problem, as it only accounts for one online retailer.
While the full extent of microplastics' impact on human health is still being studied, there are concerns about their potential effects. These particles may contain chemicals that disrupt the body's hormone release, potentially increasing the risk of reproductive disorders and certain cancers. Additionally, they may carry toxic compounds such as heavy metals on their surface.
The density of the sponge material plays a crucial role in the release of microplastics. The study found that denser foam sponges wore down more slowly and produced fewer microplastic fibers compared to less dense varieties.
In light of these findings, the researchers recommend that manufacturers focus on creating denser, more durable sponges to minimize microplastic emissions. They also suggest that consumers consider switching to natural cleaning products that are not based on plastics.
