The Hidden Dangers of Single-Use Plastic Earplugs

Environmental Impact of Single-Use Earplugs

Single-use earplugs are typically made of foam, either polyurethane (PU) or polyvinyl chloride (PVC). Both materials are plastic polymers derived from fossil fuels. Like other single-use plastic products, these earplugs don't degrade easily and pose a significant threat to the environment.

Most discarded earplugs end up in landfills. An estimated 1 billion foam earplugs are thrown into landfills each year, where they persist for decades or even centuries before breaking down. As they sit there, they release greenhouse gases such as CO2 and methane, major contributors to the climate crisis. Some earplugs even find their way into waterways, polluting our marine ecosystems.

Another major concern is the formation of microplastics where plastic waste breaks down into smaller fragments that are < 5 mm in size. These microplastics harm aquatic and terrestrial environments. They also interact with various contaminants like pesticides, persistent organic pollutants, heavy metals, and antibiotics. As a result, microplastics may act as carriers for these contaminants in terrestrial environments.

Health Risks Associated with Single-Use Earplugs

Microplastics can enter human bodies through ingestion, inhalation, or direct skin contact. Studies have detected these tiny plastic particles in various human tissues and organs, including blood, lungs, and even the placentas of unborn babies. Once inside the body, microplastics have shown harmful effects on multiple organs, such as the intestines, lungs, and liver.

A study also found a potential link between microplastics (MNPs) in blood vessels and cardiovascular disease. In a sample of 304 people, plastic was detected in the atherosclerotic plaques of about half the participants, with those having MNPs in their plaques showing a 4.5-fold higher risk of adverse cardiovascular events over 34 months.

Another study explored the potential link between microplastics and inflammatory bowel disease. Researchers detected 15 types of microplastics in human feces7. The study found that people with inflammatory bowel disease had higher concentrations of fecal microplastics compared to healthy individuals. Moreover, the level of fecal microplastics correlated with the severity of the disease.

Also, PVC is one of the most toxic substances and releases harmful chlorine-based chemicals and dioxins. These toxins accumulate in ecosystems and cause severe health issues like cancer, immune system damage, and hormone disruption.

It's high time we replaced these harmful foam relics with a healthier alternative.

GOB: Crafting a Healthier Alternative

At GOB, we are bringing a tiny revolution to the petroleum-based single-use earplugs problem. Instead of making a less harmful product, we are making something that provides you with hearing protection while improving the health of the planet. And of course, without causing any harm to the humans.

Instead of being manufactured, our plugs are biofabricated. This means the materials are engineered to grow using cutting-edge technology and processes that work with nature, not against it.

We collaborate with Forager™ Foams, using their Aerial Mycelium to produce our earplugs. This material is cultivated in an environment that renders it perfectly fluffy, providing the properties we need for our plugs. Not only is it biodegradable, but it's also home-compostable. Since it's essentially plant matter (kiln-dried to become technically inert or "dead"), it's as compostable as any piece of produce.

Read Also: Mycelium Mania: Why Everyone's Talking About It

When you dispose of the earplugs, both the plugs and the packaging regenerate back into the soil in less than a month. In fact, they are home compostable.

Also, you won’t find any chemicals, plastics, or toxins of any kind in GOB products—a great opportunity to keep the noise off and tread lightly on the planet.