Chloe Zhang
Plastic is everywhere, and it's in us. Microplastics, tiny plastic particles that come from degraded plastic products, have been detected throughout the environment and in almost every part of the human body. They can enter our bodies through the food we eat, the water we drink, and the air we breathe. Once inside, they can impact our health in both chemical and physical ways, but the extent of their effects is still unknown. Scientists are concerned about the potential risks, especially given the widespread use of plastic in modern life. While it is challenging to eliminate exposure, individuals can take steps to reduce their plastic consumption and limit their contact with microplastics.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| How do plastics enter the body? | Through the food we eat, the water we drink, and the air we breathe |
| What happens once they enter the body? | Scientists are still studying the effects, but they can impact health in both chemical and physical ways |
| What are microplastics? | Any piece of plastic under 5mm in length; most are too tiny to be seen |
| What are nanoplastics? | Plastic particles smaller than 1 micrometer in length |
| Where have microplastics been found in the body? | Blood, saliva, breast milk, placenta, testicles, heart, liver, kidneys, lungs, brain |
| What are the health risks? | Potential interference with the body's endocrine system, inflammation, cell death, lung and liver issues, changes in the gut microbiome, altered lipid and hormone metabolism, increased risk of diabetes, obesity, heart disease, cancer, birth defects, premature birth, brain disorders, infertility |
| What can be done to reduce exposure? | Avoid cosmetics and personal care products containing microbeads, buy clothes made from natural fabrics, use specialized microplastics-removal devices for laundry, don't heat plastic containers in the microwave, carry a stainless-steel water bottle |
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What You'll Learn
Microplastics enter the body through food, water, and air
Microplastics are plastic particles that are smaller than 5mm in size. They are formed when bigger pieces of plastic break down through weathering from water, wind, sunlight, heat, or friction. These tiny plastic particles are widespread in the environment and can enter the human body through food, water, and air.
Microplastics can enter the soil and water, either directly or through the sewage system. This means that plants and animals are exposed to microplastics, and since humans eat plants and animals, microplastics end up in our bodies too. They have been detected in fruits, vegetables, seafood, and meat, as well as in bottled and tap water. Studies suggest that people might be consuming tens of thousands of microplastic particles per year.
Microplastics are also released during the production, use, and washing of synthetic textiles and clothing made from materials like polyester or acrylic. These microfibers can be spread on our skin, hair, and nails, and we can also inhale them from the air. A study of human lung tissue found microplastics in 11 out of 13 samples, indicating that inhalation is another route for microplastics to enter the body.
Additionally, microplastics are intentionally added to cosmetics and personal care products like toothpaste and shower gels to improve their feel and finish. These microplastics can enter the body through direct contact with the skin or when washed off, they can enter the sewage system and end up in the water supply.
While the full extent of the health risks associated with microplastics is not yet fully understood, there is growing concern among researchers. Studies have linked microplastics to potential health issues such as gastrointestinal problems, cardiovascular disease, low male fertility, and endocrine disruption. The impact of microplastics on the human body is an active area of research, with scientists working to understand the effects of these particles and ways to reduce exposure.
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Plastic particles are found in human organs
Microplastics, or plastic particles, are found throughout the environment, in the oceans, and in the human food chain. They are now also found in human organs.
Scientists define microplastics as any piece of plastic under 5mm in length. Some are visible, but most are too small to be seen, measuring just 1 micron or one thousandth of a millimetre across. These are known as nanoplastics. Microplastics are released from larger pieces of plastic as they are produced, used, and discarded. They can enter the soil and water, and are spread on our skin, hair, and nails. We also consume microplastics directly when we buy, cook, and eat food and drinks wrapped in plastic.
Microplastics have been detected in human lung tissue, offering solid evidence that we are breathing in plastic particles. They have also been found in the spleen, liver, kidney, and brain. They are even present in biological samples such as breast milk, stool, sputum, and urine.
The presence of microplastics in breast milk is a particular cause for concern, as it suggests that exposure to these particles may continue beyond breastfeeding. The exact mechanism by which microplastics enter breast milk is not yet fully understood, but it is thought that they are ingested through food or water and then transported to the mammary gland.
The impact of microplastics on human health is still unknown, but they have been linked to poor health outcomes, including cardiovascular disease and low male fertility. They can also absorb and accumulate environmental contaminants and act as vectors of bodily contaminants. As they can circulate in the bloodstream, they may accumulate in various organs, potentially transporting other pollutants with them.
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Plastic additives are toxic and disrupt hormones
Plastic is ubiquitous in modern life, and it is now known that microplastics are everywhere, too. These minuscule plastic particles, which come from degraded plastic products, are found throughout the environment and in almost every part of the human body. They are in our soil and water, and we are exposed to them through the food we eat, the water we drink, and the air we breathe.
The main issue with microplastics is the chemical additives used to make plastic. These additives can make up more than half of a plastic material and include plasticizers, antioxidants, UV stabilizers, dyes, and
Some specific EDCs that leach from plastics and threaten health include bisphenol A (BPA) and related chemicals, phthalates, per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), dioxins, UV-stabilizers, and toxic metals such as lead and cadmium. These chemicals are used in a wide range of products, including packaging, construction materials, flooring, food production and packaging, cookware, health care items, children's toys, and
Studies have shown that exposure to these EDCs can have adverse health effects. For example, research on pregnant rodents exposed to different types of phthalates found that their male offspring had a shorter anogenital distance (AGD), indicating lower levels of male sex hormones in utero. Similar effects have been observed in humans, with pregnant women who had higher phthalate levels giving birth to sons with shorter AGD. Furthermore, men with a decreased AGD also had lower sperm counts. Other studies have linked phthalate exposure to a higher likelihood of preterm birth and disruptions in insulin function, implicating these chemicals in diabetes.
The health risks posed by EDCs in plastics are a serious global problem, and there is an urgent need for effective public policy to reduce and eliminate these chemicals from plastic production and exposure.
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Plastic fibres are released from textiles and tyres
Plastics are released into the environment as they degrade through weathering from water, wind, sunlight, heat, or friction. Textiles and tyres are major sources of primary microplastics, which are small plastic particles from consumer products, rather than the degradation of larger plastic waste. Synthetic textiles are the main source of primary microplastics in Asia, while tyres dominate in the Americas, Europe, and Central Asia.
The making, wearing, and washing of textiles made from synthetic fibres like polyester or acrylic release tiny plastic microfibres into the environment. Textiles are a major source of microplastic pollution, with microplastics from textiles often taking the form of fibre-shaped microfibres. The abrasion of synthetic textiles while washing and driving is the largest contributor to primary microplastic pollution, accounting for almost two-thirds of the 9.5 million tonnes of new plastic waste released into the oceans annually.
Tyre abrasion is another significant source of primary microplastics, contributing about one-third of the plastic pollution in the oceans. As car tyres experience friction from driving, braking, and abrasion, they release plastic particles along roadways. These particles end up in the ocean, contributing to "plastic soup" pollution.
To reduce the release of microplastics from textiles, the European Union (EU) has identified three pathways: sustainable design and production, caretaking measures to control emissions during use, and improved disposal and end-of-life processing. Shifting textile designs towards natural fibres has been proposed, although questions have been raised about the effectiveness of this approach, as natural fibres can also shed microfibres over time.
To address microplastic pollution from tyres, solutions must include product and infrastructure design changes, as well as shifts in consumer behaviour. While there is no single solution, reducing plastic exposure and preventing plastic waste from entering the oceans are crucial steps in mitigating the impact of plastic pollution on the environment and human health.
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Plastic exposure is difficult to avoid
Microplastics are released from larger pieces of plastic through degradation caused by water, wind, sunlight, heat, and friction. They are spread onto our skin, hair, and nails, and are present in our food and drinks, especially when wrapped in plastic. They are also found in cosmetics, cleaning products, textiles, and car tyres. As microplastics are so widespread and tiny, it is challenging to control our exposure to them.
While the full extent of the health risks posed by microplastics is still unknown, there is growing concern among scientists and clinicians. Studies have shown that microplastics can cause damage to human cells, including allergic reactions and cell death. They have also been linked to inflammation, liver and lung effects, changes in the gut microbiome, and altered hormone metabolism. The chemicals found in plastics, such as BPA, phthalates, and heavy metals, are known to disrupt the body's endocrine system, which governs processes such as growth, development, metabolism, and reproduction.
To reduce plastic exposure, individuals can carry stainless-steel water bottles, avoid microwaving food in plastic containers, and opt for glass, wood, or metal kitchenware. Regular ventilation, vacuuming, and air purification can help remove dust particles containing microplastics from the air and surfaces.
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Frequently asked questions
Microplastics can enter our bodies through the food we eat, the water we drink, and the air we breathe. They can also enter our bodies through skin contact.
Scientists are still studying the effects of microplastics on human health. However, research in mice and fruit flies has shown that exposure to microplastics can lead to inflammation, cell death, changes in the gut microbiome, and altered hormone metabolism. There is also extensive research on toxins found in plastics, which have been linked to various diseases and syndromes.
To reduce exposure to microplastics, it is recommended to avoid using single-use plastics, such as plastic water bottles, and to use natural fabrics like cotton instead of synthetic materials like polyester. Regular ventilation, vacuum cleaning, and air purification can also help remove microplastics from the air and surfaces.
