Tiny pieces of plastics are found in nearly half of tap water at homes in Taiwan. [Photo/VCG] A Taiwan survey found health-threatening microplastics in nearly half of the tap water in homes, according to Taiwan media. Findings of the survey -- which focused on microplastic pollution in tap water, seawater, beach sand and shells -- were published by Taiwan environmental authority on Wednesday. It revealed that 61 percent of unprocessed water in water purification plants contains microplastic fibers, which were discovered in 44 percent of household tap water. The survey shows an average of 0.75 microplastic fibers, mainly polyethylene and nylon, are contained in each liter of clean tap water. Microplastics. [Photo/VCG] Through researching seven marine farms and two beaches, the survey discovered up to nearly 20,000 microplastics in every 1,000 liters of seawater and up to 2,400 microplastics in each kilogram of beach sand. Microplastics are small plastic pieces less than 5 millimeters long, the size of a rice grain. They are created from the degradation of larger plastic products, such as plastic bags and bottles, once they enter the natural environment through the weathering process. To fight plastic pollution, Taiwan plans to ban the use of disposable plastic straws in public places, such as shopping centers and restaurants, from July 2019. A graphic shows the pollution of microplastic fibers in tap water around the world. [Guardian] Globally, more than 300 million tons of plastics are produced each year, 90 percent of which are thrown away after use. Only around 70 percent of plastic waste can be recycled, while the rest ends up in the environment, leaving potential sources of microplastic pollution. Though research on the health risks from microplastics is still in its infancy, these tiny pieces are believed to be able to pick up harmful bacteria while passing through wastewater plants and possibly infect humans after being ingested. Another risk is that plastics have a number of chemicals added at the manufacturing stage, and it is possible that these are released in the body, according to a report by CNN. wristbands canadacustom silicone bracelets canadarubber bracelets canadasilicone bracelets canadasilicone wristbands canadacustom wristbands canadacanadian wristbandswristbands canada
The number of trips abroad made by Chinese mainland residents in 2017 was estimated at more than 60 million, according to a senior Chinese diplomat in charge of consular affairs.In addition, the Foreign Ministry and Chinese diplomatic missions overseas worked with various departments on about 70,000 cases regarding consular protection and assistance during the year, Guo Shaochun, director general of the Foreign Ministry's Department of Consular Affairs, said at a news conference on Wednesday in Beijing.Major cases included evacuating citizens from Hurricane Maria in Dominica, the floods in Nepal and volcano eruptions in Indonesia, Guo said.The figures were unveiled at a time when China has become the world's second-largest source of overseas investment.In 2017, about 1 million Chinese went abroad to work and about 1.37 million Chinese students studied abroad, Guo said.More than 30,000 enterprises were established overseas by Chinese residents and businesses last year, Guo said.Huang Rihan, a researcher at the Center for China and Globalization think tank, said it is more urgent than ever to reinforce protection for Chinese interests overseas to address the safety issue of Chinese citizens and Chinese companies investing abroad.The Foreign Ministry hosts the 12308 hotline, which offers consular protections to Chinese citizens going abroad, Guo said. A smartphone app is being prepared to offer greater access in case critical situations arise overseas.In addition to helping those whose lawful rights and interests have been infringed upon, China supports countries cracking down on criminal activities conducted by Chinese citizens overseas, such as cases of organized telephone fraud and cross-border internet gambling, Guo said."In 2018, we will further reinforce coordination with departments in charge and effectively conduct relevant prevention, control and management," Guo said.Speaking on visa facilitation, the diplomat noted that Chinese citizens now can travel visa-free to 65 countries and regions.China and the United Arab Emirates will reciprocally exempt visas for citizens starting Jan 16.As the UAE is one of the favorite destinations of Chinese tourists as well as a major international transportation hub, the upcoming visa exemption measure will annually benefit about 1 million Chinese tourists heading to the country and another 3.5 million Chinese travelers stopping over there, Guo said.
