Its simple name promises almost effortless cleaning. But the magic spongesas revolutionary as they may be, do not only have advantages, far from it. scientists have also sounded the alarm. They have asked immediate stop of this essential accessory for many French people when doing housework.
They are popular with consumers who see them as a means effective to tackle stubborn tasks without much effort. Abrasives as a very fine sandpaper could be, they can be used on many surfaces. And over the years, they have won over consumers. But it is also a product of the industry petrochemical which poses numerous dangers to the environment.
Scientists have looked into magic sponges used for cleaning
This was revealed by researchers at Nanjing University in China. They recently published the results of a study on the subject in the specialized journal Environmental Science & Technology. They warn against the release of microplastics when using magic sponges. Because these are actually made with plastic or more precisely Basotecta melanin foam.
This material is widely used for the manufacture of sound insulation panels. “No issue comes from the fact that every time you rub with these sponges, they break down into particles lowercase.”as the magazine explains How it works who devoted an article to the subject. And these residues are found in nature.
crédit photo : Shutterstock A sample of water contaminated with microplastics
The residue from magic sponges ends up on our plates
In fact, the particles are too fine to be filtered in the stations purification. They are therefore directly rejected and pollute rivers, seas and oceans. This sad observation is valid for all brands of magic sponges that have been tested by scientists, even if some brands perform better than others.
The pollution microplastics is an increasingly topical issue worrying. Often invisible due to their small size, they permanently disrupt the ecosystem and present a real danger for many marine species, whether fish, mammals or even plants. But they have also become a public health issue. Indeed, after being ingested by fish and other aquatic organisms, these particles slowly move up the food chain until they end up in our plate.
This is the price to pay for cleaning with magic sponges
THE consequences can be serious. Microplastics that are released when using magic sponges, for example, may contain chemicals. These are substances toxic such as heavy metals that are used in the manufacture of the various objects concerned. These “are associated with serious repercussions on health, especially in women”as the report highlights From pollution to solutionpublished by the United Nations Environment Program (UNEP) in 2021.
crédit photo : Shutterstock Magic sponges
They can cause hormonal disruptions, but also problems in the development of the fetus during pregnancy. Suffice to say that the price to pay is certainly higher than the few euros spent on these everyday products. Magic sponges may not be as magical than what consumers think.
