Ethan Clarke
Plastic is one of the most pervasive materials on the planet, and its production is increasing. People are exposed to plastics at every stage of the product life cycle, from production to use to disposal. Humans are exposed to toxic chemicals and microplastics through inhalation, ingestion, and direct skin contact. The incineration of plastic waste disperses chemicals into the air and causes water and soil contamination. Microplastics have been found in human lung tissue, blood, placentas, and feces. They can also carry pathogens, increasing the spread of diseases. Plastic chemicals can affect the same biological receptors as hormones and have been linked to low birth weights, preterm births, impaired fertility, and problems with brain development in young children. The health impacts of plastics are a growing area of research, but the results so far indicate that plastics cause diseases, disabilities, and premature death at every stage of their life cycle.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Exposure to plastics through ingestion | Average person ingests approximately 5 grams of plastic every week |
| Exposure to plastics through inhalation | Microplastics found in the atmosphere and human lungs |
| Exposure to plastics through skin contact | Toxic chemical additives and pollutants found in plastics |
| Exposure to plastics through water | Up to 88% of additives can leach into water |
| Exposure to plastics through food | Microplastics found in food |
| Groups particularly vulnerable to exposure | Children, women, workers in the informal waste sector, marginalized communities, and pregnant people |
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What You'll Learn
Inhalation of plastic fibres and microplastics
Plastic is one of the most pervasive materials on the planet, and its impact on human health is still poorly understood. However, research has shown that plastic causes diseases, disabilities, and premature death at every stage of its life cycle. The toxic chemical additives and pollutants found in plastics threaten human health on a global scale.
One way that people are exposed to plastics is through inhalation. Microplastics have been detected in the air worldwide, especially in the Northern Hemisphere, including countries such as France, Iran, China, Japan, Vietnam, Nepal, the United States, Colombia, Saudi Arabia, South Korea, Kuwait, Greece, Romania, Pakistan, and India.
Indoor air is also contaminated with microplastics, with concentrations between 1.7 and 16.2 particles m−3. Synthetic fragments and fibres accounted for 4% of the total identified particles, while polyester was the predominant synthetic polymer in all samples (81%), followed by polyethylene (5%), and nylon (3%). Microplastics are generated by the breakdown of larger items such as clothing, car tires, and mismanaged urban plastic waste.
Textile workers processing synthetic fibres such as polyester and nylon have experienced coughing, breathlessness, and reduced lung capacity, suggesting a link between microplastic inhalation and respiratory issues. Research has also shown that plastic particles may persist in the lungs, especially in people with lung disease, and can cause inflammation. Longer fibres appear to be more damaging, and if inhalation of microplastics is sufficiently high, these plastic particles may contribute to lung cancer, asthma attacks, and other health problems.
As plastic production increases, human exposure to hazardous compounds will also increase. Regulators need to reduce the production of plastics and phase out hazardous chemicals to protect human health.
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Ingestion of microplastics in food and water
Humans are exposed to plastics in numerous ways, including through ingestion, inhalation, and skin contact. Microplastics, in particular, have become pervasive in the environment and food chain, with single-use plastics being a significant contributor. While the health effects of microplastic ingestion are still being researched, there are concerns about their potential impact on human health.
Ingestion of microplastics can occur through various sources of food and water. Seafood, including fish, mollusks, and shellfish, is often contaminated with microplastics, which can be ingested by humans when consumed. Smaller fish that are eaten whole pose a higher risk of microplastic exposure. Additionally, microplastics have been detected in commercial processed fish, sea salt, honey, beer, and other food components.
Drinking water is another significant source of microplastic ingestion. Studies have found higher concentrations of microplastics in bottled water compared to tap water, with Europeans exposed to an additional 9000 particles per year from drinking water bottled in plastic. However, it is important to note that tap water is not entirely free of microplastics, with an estimated 4000 particles ingested through drinking tap water annually.
Microplastics have also been found in various other food products, indicating contamination during processing or packaging. Take-out food containers made of common polymer materials, such as PP, PS, PE, and PET, have been found to contain microplastics. Single-use plastics used for food storage and reheating should be avoided or limited, as they can introduce microplastics and chemicals into food.
While the health impacts of microplastics are not yet fully understood, research suggests that they can have negative consequences. Microplastics can act as vessels for pathogens, increasing the spread of diseases. They may also affect the absorption of nutrients and water by plant roots, potentially impacting the biomass of plants and their characteristics. The smaller the plastic particles, the greater the risk of animal exposure, as seen in studies on earthworms.
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Direct skin contact with plastic
Plastic is one of the most pervasive materials on Earth, and human exposure to it is expanding into new areas of the environment and food chain. People are exposed to plastics at every stage of the product life cycle, from production to use to disposal.
Personal care products, such as lotions, creams, and cosmetics, may contain plastic-derived ingredients, including microplastics, which can be applied directly to the skin and lead to potential exposure to plastic chemicals. Plastic materials are also commonly found in medical devices, bandages, and wound dressings, and can come into contact with the skin during use. Children are especially vulnerable to exposure to plastic chemicals through skin contact with plastic toys, pacifiers, teething rings, and other children’s items.
In some cases, plastic particles, dust, or microplastics can become airborne and settle on the skin, leading to indirect exposure. The degree of exposure and potential risk from plastic chemicals on the skin can vary depending on factors such as the type of plastic, the specific chemicals involved, the duration of contact, and individual sensitivity. It is recommended to minimize direct skin contact with plastic-containing products, especially for infants and young children, and to wash hands thoroughly after handling plastic items.
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Proximity to extraction and processing sites
Extraction sites, where raw materials for plastics are sourced, can be a significant source of pollution. The process of extracting fossil fuels, the feedstock for plastics, releases toxic substances into the air, impacting the respiratory, nervous, and gastrointestinal systems, as well as the liver and brain. Communities located near these extraction sites are at an increased risk of exposure to these toxins, which can lead to chronic and acute health issues.
The processing and refining of these raw materials into plastic resins and additives further contributes to air pollution. During the refining process, carcinogenic and highly toxic substances are released, affecting both industry workers and residents in neighbouring communities. The health impacts of exposure to these toxins are well-documented and include neurological, reproductive, and developmental issues, as well as an increased risk of cancer, leukemia, and genetic impacts like low birth weight.
Additionally, the transportation of raw materials and finished plastic products between extraction and processing sites can also impact nearby communities. The use of highways and rail networks can expose surrounding areas to plastic pollution, particularly during the transportation of raw materials, which may not be adequately contained. The selection of sites for plastic processing facilities is influenced by various factors, including access to transportation infrastructure, power sources, and labour supply. However, the impact of these facilities on the surrounding areas in terms of pollution and health risks is a significant concern that must be carefully considered.
Furthermore, the storage and handling of both raw materials and finished plastic products can also contribute to exposure risks. Inadequate storage conditions or accidents during transportation can result in the release of plastic particles and toxic chemicals into the environment, affecting nearby communities. The fragmentation of plastics over time can lead to the creation of microplastics, which can infiltrate the air, water, and soil, causing widespread exposure and potential health consequences.
Overall, proximity to extraction and processing sites significantly influences the exposure to plastics and their associated health risks. The complex plastic lifecycle, from extraction to disposal, has intersecting impacts on human health, and addressing this issue requires a comprehensive understanding of each stage and its potential hazards.
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Incineration of plastic waste
People are exposed to plastics in their day-to-day lives, from production to use to disposal. Plastic production has been increasing, leading to more opportunities for human exposure to hazardous compounds.
When plastic is burned, it releases a cocktail of harmful chemicals into the air. These toxic emissions include dioxins, furans, mercury, and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs). Dioxins, in particular, are known carcinogens and can cause a range of health issues such as reproductive and developmental problems, immune system damage, and hormone disruption. The toxic fumes from burning plastic contribute significantly to air pollution, which is a major risk factor for ill health. Additionally, the process of burning plastic does not completely eliminate the waste, as it leaves behind toxic ash that requires special handling and disposal. This ash often ends up in landfills, leaching harmful chemicals into the soil and groundwater.
The incineration of plastic waste also has climate change implications. Burning plastic releases carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases, contributing to global warming. Plastic is made from non-renewable resources like oil and natural gas, and burning it wastes these resources instead of allowing them to be recycled or reused. This encourages continued production and use of single-use plastics without addressing the root cause of the plastic waste problem.
The toxic substances released during the incineration of plastic waste pose a threat to vegetation, human and animal health, and the environment as a whole. It is important to explore alternative methods of plastic waste management and reduce plastic consumption to protect the planet's future and human health.
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Frequently asked questions
People are exposed to plastics through inhalation, ingestion, and direct skin contact.
Exposure to plastics has been linked to various health issues, including cancer, reproductive issues, endocrine disruption, childhood developmental problems, and chronic illnesses such as diabetes and cardiovascular disease.
Yes, children, infants in the womb, and vulnerable communities, including marginalized groups and those living near extraction or refining facilities, are particularly susceptible to the harmful effects of plastics due to their exposure to hazardous chemicals.
Microplastics, which are small plastic particles, can contaminate our food and water sources. They are often generated when large plastic products, such as packaging, are not properly disposed of and break down into smaller fragments. These microplastics can then be ingested or inhaled by humans, leading to potential health risks.
Common sources of microplastics include synthetic fibers, plastic waste, building materials, and waste incineration. These microplastics can contaminate the air, water, and soil, leading to human exposure through inhalation, ingestion, and skin contact.
