Sofia Martinez
It is no secret that plastic pollution is a pressing issue, but recent studies have revealed a shocking truth: we are not just surrounded by plastic, but we are also ingesting it. Microplastics have been detected in human blood and faeces, and their presence in our bodies could be a potential red flag. While the impact on human health is still unknown, it is clear that we are exposed to plastic particles through multiple pathways, including oral intake, inhalation, and skin contact. With plastic waste found in our drinking water, food, and even the air we breathe, it is inevitable that we are consuming these tiny particles, which can take thousands of years to break down.
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What You'll Learn
Microplastics are found in human blood
Microplastics have been found in human blood, with scientists detecting the particles in almost 80% of the people tested. The discovery indicates that microplastics can travel throughout the body and may lodge in organs. The particles have been observed to attach to the outer membranes of red blood cells, potentially impairing their oxygen-carrying capacity.
The presence of microplastics in human blood underscores the pervasiveness of plastic pollution in our environment and its potential impact on human health. People are exposed to microplastics through various pathways, including the consumption of contaminated food and water and inhalation. The particles can enter the bloodstream and accumulate in organs, as evidenced by their detection in autopsies of major human organs and placentas of pregnant women.
The health implications of microplastics in the human body are not yet fully understood, but researchers are concerned. Studies have shown that microplastics can damage human cells in laboratory settings, and air pollution particles are already linked to millions of premature deaths annually. The impact may be associated with lifestyle factors, as the number of microplastic particles in blood was found to be higher among individuals with higher education levels.
The detection of microplastics in human blood has prompted calls for further research to understand their effects on human health. There is a particular focus on investigating their potential to induce carcinogenesis and impact the immune system, especially in vulnerable populations such as foetuses and babies. The increasing plastic production, projected to double by 2040, underscores the urgency of addressing this knowledge gap to safeguard public health.
The most commonly detected types of microplastics in human blood include polystyrene (PS), polypropylene (PP), polyethylene (PE), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), and polyamide (PA). The particles range in size, with lengths between 20 and 50 micrometres observed in most blood samples. While the health consequences of microplastics in human blood are not yet fully elucidated, the presence of these foreign substances in the body warrants further investigation and highlights the importance of addressing plastic pollution.
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Plastic particles enter our bodies through food and drink
The production and destruction of plastics produce particles and gases that contribute to climate change, and plastic left to break down in the environment releases greenhouse gases. As plastics break down, they slough off tiny particles (smaller than 5mm) that end up in the environment and, subsequently, our food and water sources.
Plastic particles have been detected throughout the human body, including in the blood, saliva, liver, kidneys, and placenta. While the health effects of ingesting microplastics are still unknown, scientists worry that they could suppress the immune system and aid the transmission of toxins and harmful bugs or viruses. Some plastics contain chemicals that are known to interfere with the body's hormones, and studies have shown that microplastics can cause inflammation, cell death, lung and liver damage, changes in the gut microbiome, and altered lipid and hormone metabolism.
Additionally, microplastics may carry antibiotic-resistant bacteria and other pathogens on their surfaces, which could be harmful to humans. More research is needed to understand the potential health risks associated with ingesting microplastics.
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Plastic is found in indoor environments
Plastic pollution has become a pressing environmental issue, with the rapidly increasing production of disposable plastic products overwhelming the world's ability to deal with them. Single-use plastics, in particular, have contributed significantly to this crisis, as they are often used for mere minutes before being discarded. While some efforts have been made by governments to limit or ban their use, the problem persists.
Plastics can find their way into our bodies through various pathways, and indoor environments are no exception. Microplastics, for instance, have been detected in tap water, bottled water, and even the air we breathe. They can enter our bodies through inhalation or ingestion, and their presence in food packaging materials and plastic bottles further increases the likelihood of exposure.
The food we consume is another significant source of plastic contamination in indoor settings. Studies have found microplastics in commonly consumed proteins, including beef, shrimp, and tofu, with higher rates in more processed foods. Seafood, such as tuna, lobster, and shrimp, has also been found to contain significant amounts of plastic due to the consumption of plastic by sea animals, which then move up the food chain.
Additionally, indoor dust can contain plastic particles. House dust, in particular, has been identified as a source of microplastic exposure. As we spend a considerable amount of time indoors, especially in residential settings, the ingestion and inhalation of these microplastics can occur unknowingly.
While the exact health implications of microplastics in our bodies are still being studied, there are concerns about potential risks. Some experts suggest that plastic in the gut could suppress the immune system and aid the transmission of harmful toxins, viruses, and bugs. The smallest microplastic particles are capable of entering the bloodstream and may even reach vital organs, including the liver.
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Plastic particles are inhaled
Plastic particles are everywhere, and they are often so small that they are invisible to the human eye. These microplastics are less than 5 millimeters (mm) in diameter, and airborne microplastics are even smaller, with a size of 0.5 mm (500 micrometers). When plastic fragments are below 0.001 mm in size (1,000 nanometers), they are called nanoplastics, and they are less than 1/100th of the thickness of a human hair.
Inhalation is a major contributor to human intake of micro- and nanoplastics. It is estimated that humans can inhale up to 22,000,000 micro- and nanoplastics annually. These particles are imperceptible as they pass through airways and reach the very bottom of the lungs. The most recent results on this matter have shown that nylon fibers can hinder the growth of mini-lungs, while polyester fibers did not.
Primary microplastics are intentionally produced at a microscale for specific use, such as in agrochemicals or pharmaceuticals. Secondary microplastics result from the mechanical, chemical, and physical fragmentation of larger (macro) plastics, which can include "legacy" plastics disposed of in the environment decades ago. Every stage of the plastics life cycle, from production to disposal, emits both primary and secondary microplastics and other hazardous substances.
Microplastics have been detected in the air of big cities like London, Paris, and Dongguan, as well as in remote areas like the Arctic or the Swiss Alps. They are also found inside buildings, in household dust, and in the dust on the floor. In addition, microplastics can be released into the air by wearing synthetic clothing, with studies showing that wearing polyester clothes can pollute the environment to a similar extent as washing these garments.
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Plastic is a potential threat to human health
One of the primary ways humans are exposed to microplastics is through oral intake, with Europeans consuming about 11,000 particles/person/year of microplastics from shellfish alone. In addition, food packaged in plastic or prepared in plastic containers can be contaminated, leading to the ingestion of plastic particles. This is especially concerning for infants and toddlers, who may have a higher concentration of microplastics in their bodies due to the use of plastic bottles for formula.
The health effects of microplastics on humans are still largely unknown, but early studies suggest potential harm. Microplastics have been found to produce toxic effects and can act as carriers for other pollutants to enter biological tissues and organs. Some experts believe that plastic in the gut could suppress the immune system and aid the transmission of harmful substances, and there is also evidence of microplastics appearing in the human placenta, indicating potential intergenerational impacts.
While individual actions, such as using glass products instead of plastic, can help reduce exposure, the responsibility for tackling plastic pollution lies with stricter regulations and industry accountability. The presence of plastic in our bodies underscores the urgency of addressing this global issue and transitioning to more sustainable alternatives.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, microplastics have been found in the blood, brain, heart, kidneys, liver, lungs, human milk, placenta, and testicles. They are also present in our food and drinking water.
Microplastics can enter our bodies through ingestion or inhalation. They are present in the food we eat, the water we drink, and the air we breathe. They can also be ingested through the use of personal care products such as toothpaste and shower gels.
The health risks of microplastics are still being studied, and the impact on human health is not yet fully understood. However, laboratory tests have shown that microplastics can cause damage to human cells, including allergic reactions and cell death. Some of the chemicals found in plastics are known to interfere with the body's hormones.
