INFECTED INFANT
how our children are becoming cyborgs by hannah lyons
artist's statement I chose to follow a theme of bringing awareness to microplastics and their effect on us as humans, as I learned last year that plastic particles were being found in the vicinity of babies developing in the womb. In terms of plastic pollution’s level of threat to us as a species this is the most frightening thing I’ve ever heard. Almost every piece of text from my zine was taken from one Guardian article ('Microplastics revealed in the placentas of unborn babies', Damian Carrington), one of the only pieces of accessible evidence I could find on the subject. I wanted my images to disturb and unsettle, using dark backgrounds and inorganic objects to achieve this. Through tutor feedback I followed a method of scanography to give a gloomy, surreal depth to my images. I took all my images by placing items on my printer’s scanner plate.
It is estimated that humans DRINK,
EAT, and INHALE
74,000 microplastics a year.
Microplastic particles have even been found in the placentas of unborn babies.
The particles were found in the placentas from four healthy women who had normal pregnancies and births. A dozen plastic particles were found.
Only about 4% of each placenta was analysed, however, suggesting the total number of microplastics was much higher. The microplastics were mostly 10 microns in size (0.01mm), meaning they are small enough to be carried in the bloodstream.
"It is like having a cyborg baby: no longer composed only of human cells, but a mixture of biological and inorganic entities," - Antonia Ragusa, director of obstetrics & gynaecology, San Giovanni Calibita Fatebenefratelli hospital, Rome.
These babies are born into a world where they will consume 3 million microplastic particles a day through their plastic milk bottles.
IS PLASTIC FINALLY CATCHING UP TO US?
Use reusable mugs/bottles Buy fruit & veg sold loosely where possible
Use reusable shopping bags
What can we do? To reduce plastic waste: Recycle glass and plastic where possible
Carry reusable cutlery instead of takeaway plastic cutlery
Try using clingfilm alternatives such as beeswax wrap
With the right action, we can save ourselves.
email: 30371886@cityofglacol.ac.uk