Interview with toxicologists Jan Topinka and Kateřina Hoňková on Czech Television

Microplastics help increase bacterial resistance

They are everywhere – in the oceans, soil, air and food. Every week, it is estimated that we unknowingly consume to 5 grams of them – that’s like one credit card! Microplastics are not just passive particles. They can disrupt hormonal balance, affect the immune system and carry toxic substances in the body. Microplastics act as a “floating taxi” for bacteria, including those resistant to antibiotics. So the water we drink and the air we breathe can contain not only plastic particles but also unwanted microbes.

Find out more in the interview with toxicologist Jan Topinka on Studio 6 programme (Czech Television):

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Air Pollution in Europe

The problem is not just microplastics! In the European Union countries, the environment is improving, just very slowly. This is according to a recent European Commission and the European Environment Agency report. Despite the progress made so far, high levels of pollutants continue to be found in the air, both in villages and cities. These include certain air emissions, microplastics and traffic noise, for example. According to the report, traffic noise has only been reduced by 2% in almost 7 years. The target is a 30% reduction by the end of the decade. Kateřina Hoňková, a toxicologist from the Department of Toxicology and Molecular Epidemiology, commented on this report in more detail on ČT24 (Czech Television).

Watch the record (open in a new window – only available in Czech)