Nurse Explains How Use of Plastics Could Increase Risk of Kidney Disease
- Health practitioner Yeboah Agyekum has warned against the excessive use of plastic materials due to their potential health risks
- He explained that exposing plastic packaging to sunlight, such as bottled water, can cause harmful particles to seep into the contents
- He advised the public to avoid any items in plastic exposed to sunlight and to adopt safer practices in food and beverage handling
A health practitioner, Yeboah Agyekum, has cautioned the public against the excessive use of plastic materials, warning that they pose serious health risks.
Speaking in a video on TikTok, he highlighted everyday practices that many people overlook but which could have harmful long-term effects on their health.
Source: UGC
He expressed particular concern about the improper storage of food and water in plastic packaging, explaining that exposure to heat, especially direct sunlight, can cause harmful substances to leach into the contents.
He further cautioned against the common habit of leaving sachet water in the sun and drinking it afterwards, noting that invisible particles from the plastic can seep into the water.
According to him, these particles, often referred to as microplastics or nanoplastics, may not be visible to the human eye but can accumulate in the body over time and pose significant health risks.
Agyekum also pointed to everyday items such as toothbrushes, explaining that as the bristles wear out, small plastic fragments can break off and be ingested unknowingly.
He warned that these particles can find their way into the bloodstream and potentially lead to serious health complications, including kidney and liver diseases, as well as developmental issues among adolescents.
As part of his advice, he urged the public to discard bottled or sachet water that has been exposed to sunlight for prolonged periods.
He also recommended cutting open tea bags and pouring the contents into cups instead of dipping whole tea bags into hot water, explaining that high temperatures can release plastic particles into beverages.
Watch the TikTok video here:
Kidney patient cautions food sellers against malpractices
Meanwhile, a patient battling kidney disease, Sally Brentuo, has cautioned food sellers against engaging in unsafe practices that could endanger the health of consumers.
In a TikTok video shared on her platform, she raised concerns about methods allegedly being used by some market traders to preserve food or increase sales, often without considering the health implications.
She alleged that some sellers spray insecticides on fresh food items to keep away flies and other insects, a practice she described as dangerous to human health.
Source: Facebook
Brentuo also claimed that some fruit vendors use carbide to artificially ripen fruits within a short period, warning that such actions could contribute to the rising cases of kidney-related diseases.
She urged traders to desist from such practices and adopt safer, more responsible methods of handling and preserving food.
Watch the TikTok video here:
Additionally, she called on regulatory bodies to intensify monitoring and enforcement to ensure adherence to proper food safety standards.
Her comments have sparked renewed conversations around food safety practices in local markets and their potential health consequences.
Oheneni Adazoa chastises plantain chip sellers
Earlier, YEN.com.gh reported that a popular host on Sompa FM had blasted sellers for allegedly melting rubber in the oil used for their business to maintain its quantity and make the plantain crispy.
Oheneni Adazoa said a concerned citizen called her hotline to confirm her claims and explained that she once planned on setting up the same business and contacted a seller to ask for advice.
Proofreading by Bruce Douglas, copy editor at YEN.com.gh.
Source: YEN.com.gh
