Sofia Martinez
Plastic is everywhere, and it's in us. Research has found plastic particles in human blood, breast milk, saliva, liver, kidneys, placentas, testicles, hearts, and lungs. These particles are known as microplastics, which are smaller than 5mm, and nanoplastics, which are smaller than 1 micrometer. They come from the breakdown of larger plastic items and are so small that they can be inhaled or ingested. While the health effects of microplastics on humans are not yet fully understood, studies have shown that they can cause damage to human cells, including allergic reactions and cell death. They can also act as a vehicle for harmful chemicals found in plastics, such as endocrine disruptors like BPA and phthalates, which can interfere with the body's natural hormone production. With plastic production set to quadruple by 2050, the potential health risks of microplastics are an urgent area of research.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Plastic particles in the human body | Lungs, blood, breast milk, placenta, testicles, hearts, livers, kidneys, saliva, gastrointestinal tract, etc. |
| Plastic particle size | Microplastics (1 nanometer to 5 millimeters) and nanoplastics (smaller than 1 micrometer) |
| Plastic particle sources | Environmental degradation of larger plastics, cosmetics, household dust, food, drinking water, air, etc. |
| Plastic health effects | Allergic reactions, cell death, cardiovascular disease, low male fertility, endocrine disruption, etc. |
| Plastic reduction strategies | Proper ventilation, regular cleaning, avoiding cosmetics with microbeads, buying natural fabrics, using microplastics-removal devices, etc. |
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What You'll Learn
Microplastics are in our bodies
Microplastics are indeed in our bodies. Research has found microplastics in the human lung, maternal and fetal placental tissues, breast milk, and blood. They have also been found in the spleen, liver, colon, lung, feces, placenta, and breast milk.
Microplastics are minuscule plastic particles that come from degraded plastic products. They are found throughout the environment, including in the oceans, fruits and vegetables, plastic water bottles, the air, cosmetics, and household dust.
Humans are exposed to microplastics through oral intake, inhalation, and skin contact. They have been detected in drinking water, bottled water, seafood, salt, sugar, tea bags, milk, and more. Europeans are exposed to about 11,000 particles/person/year of microplastics due to shellfish consumption, and according to food consumption, the intake of plastic particles in the human body is 39,000–52,000 particles/person/year.
The health effects of microplastics on humans are not yet fully understood, but they have been linked to a variety of health problems, including cancers, metabolic disorders, attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder, and fertility issues. Studies in mice have shown that exposure to microplastics can cause gut microbiome disruption, lead to inflammation, lower sperm quality and testosterone levels, and negatively affect learning and memory.
There is also concern that the harm from microplastics in the body could be compounded by endocrine-disrupting chemicals found in many plastics, such as bisphenol A (BPA), phthalates, and per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). These chemicals can imitate hormones and disrupt the body's natural endocrine system, which is responsible for making hormones that govern processes such as growth and development, metabolism, appetite, mood, and reproduction.
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Plastic particles in the lungs
Plastics can break down and degrade into smaller pieces called microplastics and nanoplastics. These minuscule plastic particles are found throughout the environment, including in the air, soil, water, and oceans. They can travel worldwide, ending up in urban, rural, and remote areas.
Microplastics and nanoplastics are also found in the human body. Studies have detected these particles in various parts of the body, including the lungs. For example, a study of human lung tissue reported in 2022 found microplastics in 11 out of 13 samples, including the upper, middle, and lower lobes. Another study found microplastics in the lungs of surgical patients. These findings indicate that humans are breathing in plastic particles, which can be harmful to respiratory health.
The presence of microplastics in the lungs is concerning due to the potential impact on lung tissue and cells. Microplastics can damage lung tissue and cells and may affect the immune system. Individuals with pre-existing pulmonary conditions, such as asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), may be more vulnerable to inflammation caused by microplastics, leading to further health complications.
The sources of microplastics in the lungs can vary. They can come from the indoor air we breathe, as dust in our homes often contains microplastics. They can also be inhaled from the outdoor air, as microplastics are present in the atmosphere and can be transported worldwide. Additionally, microplastics are intentionally added to cosmetics, personal care products, and textiles, which can be inhaled or absorbed through the skin.
While the health effects of microplastics in the lungs are not yet fully understood, researchers are actively investigating this topic. Computational approaches and laboratory tests are being utilized to study the impact of microplastics on the respiratory system and human cells. Some studies have suggested associations between microplastics and health issues, including allergic reactions, cell death, inflammation, and respiratory problems. However, more research is needed to comprehensively understand the health implications of plastic particles in the lungs.
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Plastic particles in the blood
Plastic particles have been detected in human blood, with scientists finding the tiny particles in almost 80% of the people tested. The discovery shows that these particles can travel around the body and may lodge in organs. The impact on health is as yet unknown, but researchers are concerned as microplastics have been shown to cause damage to human cells in laboratory studies.
The plastic particles found in the blood were primarily nanoplastics, smaller than one micrometer. These particles are so small that they can be inhaled or ingested, and they can also enter the body through food and water. While the skin may act as a barrier to larger microplastics, smaller particles can go deep into the skin and may be absorbed into the bloodstream if the skin is damaged.
The presence of plastic particles in the blood is a cause for concern as plastics have been linked to health issues. Some of the blood samples contained two or three types of plastic, including PET plastic, commonly used in drinks bottles, polystyrene used for food packaging, and polyethylene, from which plastic carrier bags are made. These plastics have been shown to exist for decades without completely disintegrating, constantly breaking down into smaller pieces.
While the extent of the harm caused by plastics in the body is not yet fully understood, there are concerns about the chemicals used in plastics and their potential impact on the body's natural endocrine system. Studies in mice have shown that exposure to microplastics can lead to inflammation, disrupt the gut microbiome, lower sperm quality and testosterone levels, and negatively affect learning and memory. In addition, a recent study found that microplastics can attach to the outer membranes of red blood cells and may limit their ability to transport oxygen.
Further research is needed to understand the health risks associated with plastic particles in the blood and to determine whether these particles can pass into other organs, especially the brain, which is protected by a unique network of cells.
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Plastic particles in the placenta
Plastic particles, or microplastics, have been found in the human placenta. The placenta is an organ that develops in the womb during pregnancy and provides oxygen and nutrients to a growing foetus. It also acts as an interface with the external environment.
A 2020 study found microplastics in the placentas of four healthy women with normal pregnancies and births. The particles were detected on both the foetal and maternal sides of the placenta and in the amniochorial membrane, where the foetus develops. The microplastics ranged in size from 5 to 10 μm, with some as small as 0.01mm, which means they could potentially be carried in the bloodstream. The particles were mostly dyed blue, red, orange or pink and may have originated from packaging, paints, or cosmetics and personal care products.
Another study published in August 2023 found microplastics in the placentas of six women. The researchers analysed the placentas using Raman Microspectroscopy and found 12 microplastic fragments, with some on the fetal side, some on the maternal side, and some in the chorioamniotic membranes.
The presence of plastic particles in the placenta is a cause for concern due to the crucial role of the placenta in supporting foetal development. Microplastics have been linked to potential harm in laboratory tests, including allergic reactions and cell death. They can also carry endocrine-disrupting chemicals, which can interfere with the body's natural hormone production and have a profound impact on fetal development.
While the health impact of microplastics in the placenta is not yet fully understood, researchers have suggested that they may cause long-term damage to foetuses and could potentially trigger immune responses or lead to the release of toxic contaminants. Further studies are needed to assess the potential harm and to determine ways to reduce exposure to microplastics.
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Plastic particles in the environment
Plastic pollution is a significant environmental concern, with plastic materials accounting for 60-80% of waste in the marine environment and 90% of waste floating on the seas and oceans. Once in the environment, plastic can fragment into smaller pieces, known as microplastics, which are plastic particles smaller than five millimeters. These microplastics can come from larger plastic pieces that have degraded or been broken apart, or they can be intentionally designed as microbeads used in health and beauty products.
The presence of microplastics in the environment poses a threat to marine life and ecosystems. They can be ingested by marine organisms, leading to potential health risks. Additionally, microplastics can slow down or prevent the vertical transfer of oxygen in the water column, impacting the health of marine ecosystems.
Microplastics have also been detected in various ecosystems on land, including the Antarctic tundra and tropical coral reefs. They can be transported by wind and deposited on land or inhaled by humans, penetrating deep into the body and even inside cells. Research has found microplastics in human lung tissue, blood, placentas, breast milk, and other bodily systems. While the exact health impacts on humans are still being studied, laboratory tests have shown that microplastics can cause damage to human cells, including allergic reactions and cell death.
The extensive use of plastic and the poor performance of waste management systems have led to the accumulation of plastic waste in the environment. This waste can break down into smaller pieces, increasing the number of microplastic particles. The presence of microplastics in the environment is a global concern, and proper waste management and pollution reduction strategies are crucial to address this issue.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, microplastics have been found in the human body, including in the blood, saliva, liver, kidneys, placenta, breast milk, testicles, hearts, and lungs.
Microplastics can enter the human body through ingestion, inhalation, or absorption into the bloodstream. They are present in the environment, including in food, water, air, dust, fabrics, cosmetics, cleaning products, and more.
The health effects of plastics in the human body are not yet fully understood. Some studies have linked microplastics to poor health outcomes, including cardiovascular disease, low male fertility, allergic reactions, cell death, and disruption of the gut microbiome. However, more research is needed to determine the full extent of their impact on human health.
