Plastic In Our Bodies: What's The Harm?

Plastic is everywhere. It's in our oceans, our landfills, and now, it's in our bodies. Microplastics have been found in our bloodstreams, lungs, and other organs. On average, we ingest about 5 grams of microplastics every week, which is the equivalent of a credit card. Children consume about 500 particles a day, and up to 50,100 particles can be accumulated in an adult's lifetime. The impact of this on our health is still unknown, but scientists are concerned about the potential damage to human cells.

Microplastics in our bloodstreams, lungs, and other organs

Microplastics have been found in our bloodstreams, lungs, and other organs. On average, humans ingest about 5 grams of microplastic every week, which is about the size of a credit card. Children consume about 500 particles a day and up to 50,100 particles can be accumulated in an adult's lifetime.

The impact on our health is still unknown, but scientists are worried that they can damage human cells. The primary route of exposure is ingestion, but microplastics can also be inhaled. From the synthetic clothes we wear to wildfire smoke, it’s nearly impossible to escape.

The world has a plastic problem. Not only are nonbiodegradable plastics clogging oceans and landfills, but they’re also invading our bodies. Every year, we produce nearly 400 million tonnes of plastic, a mass that is forecast to more than double by 2050.

The impact of plastic on our health

Plastic is everywhere. We produce 430 million tons of it every year, and it's not just in the environment, it's in our bodies too. Microplastics have been found in our bloodstreams, lungs, and other organs. On average, we ingest about 5 grams of microplastic every week, which is about the size of a credit card.

The 'Plastic Model' estimated that children consume about 500 particles of microplastics a day and up to 50,100 particles can be accumulated in an adult's lifetime from food, drink, and air sources. To put this in perspective, researchers explain that even if the concentration of ingested microplastics were to increase sevenfold, it would only account for 0.004% of the mass of inorganic particles ingested per day.

Besides microplastics, people are exposed to a variety of inorganic, nano- and microscopic particles used in food packaging, food processing, skin application, and more. The impact of all these particles on our health is still not fully understood, but it's clear that plastic is having a significant impact on our bodies.

How much plastic we ingest

It is estimated that people eat at least 50,000 plastic particles a year, with some estimates suggesting that the number could be as high as 90,000. This is the equivalent of 5 grams of plastic per week, or one credit card.

The amount of plastic ingested depends on various factors, such as the type of water consumed. People who drink 1.5 to 2 litres of bottled water a day take in 90,000 plastic particles per year, while those who opt for tap water can reduce this amount to 40,000 plastic particles, depending on their geographical location.

Microplastics are also present in the air and can settle on everything they come into contact with, making it almost impossible to avoid ingesting plastic particles. Additionally, microbeads are intentionally used in many health and beauty products, with research finding that nearly 9 out of 10 cosmetics from leading brands contain microplastic particles.

Plastic in the environment

Plastic is everywhere in the environment. On average, we produce 430 million tons of plastic every year, most of which is used only briefly before being discarded. This plastic doesn't just disappear; it accumulates in the environment, and it's now in our bodies.

Microplastics have been found in our bloodstreams, lungs, and other organs. The 'Plastic Model' estimated that children consume about 500 particles of microplastics a day, and up to 50,100 particles can be accumulated in an adult's lifetime. This is based on the examination of food, drink, and air sources for microplastic ingestion.

The impact of microplastics on our health is still unknown, but scientists are concerned about potential damage to human cells. Ingestion is the primary route of exposure, and we are consuming about 5 grams of microplastics per week, the equivalent of a credit card.

Plastic is not just invading our bodies; it is also clogging our oceans and landfills. From the synthetic clothes we wear to wildfire smoke, plastic exposure is nearly impossible to escape. The problem is expected to worsen, with plastic production forecast to more than double by 2050.

How plastic exposure can be reduced

Plastic exposure can be reduced by taking several measures. Firstly, it is important to reduce the use of single-use plastics, such as plastic bags, straws, and disposable water bottles. Instead, opt for reusable alternatives like cloth bags, metal straws, and refillable water bottles. Secondly, try to avoid products packaged in plastic. Buy food items in bulk or with minimal packaging, and choose products packaged in recyclable or compostable materials. Thirdly, be mindful of microplastics in personal care products like toothpaste, face wash, and cosmetics. Look for natural or organic alternatives that do not contain microbeads or plastic microfibres. Fourthly, reduce your exposure to synthetic clothing, which can release microfibres into the environment and your body. Choose natural fabrics like cotton, linen, or wool instead. Finally, support initiatives that promote plastic reduction and recycling. Participate in community clean-up efforts, advocate for better waste management practices, and encourage businesses to adopt more sustainable packaging solutions. By taking these steps, you can significantly reduce your plastic exposure and contribute to a healthier planet.

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