Plastic In Our Bodies: How Much Harm?

Plastic is everywhere. It's in our food packaging, our household products, and even our blood. In the last few decades, we've become addicted to this nearly indestructible material, producing over 380 million tons of plastic annually, with some reports indicating that up to 50% is for single-use purposes. This has resulted in an ever-growing environmental crisis, with plastic waste polluting our land, oceans, and air. As one of the world's largest consumers of plastic, the United States is a major contributor to this issue, with plastic waste generation estimated at 73 million metric tons in 2019. This waste doesn't just affect our planet; it also impacts us directly, as plastic particles contaminate our soil, waterways, and food chain, ultimately entering our bodies. So, how much plastic is inside us, and what are the consequences of this invisible invader?

Microplastics found in human faeces

The proliferation of plastic products in the last several decades has been extraordinary. Humans have become dependent on this nearly indestructible material, producing over 380 million tons of plastic annually, with some reports indicating that up to 50% of that is for single-use purposes.

The presence of microplastics in the human body has been a growing concern, and recent studies have confirmed their existence in human faeces for the first time. The small study, conducted by the Environment Agency Austria, examined stool samples from eight participants across Europe, Japan, and Russia. All of the samples were found to contain microplastic particles, with up to nine different plastics detected out of 10 varieties tested for. The plastics most commonly found were polypropylene and polyethylene terephthalate (PET). On average, 20 particles of microplastic were found in every 10 grams of excreta, ranging in size from 50 to 500 micrometers.

The detection of microplastics in human faeces raises concerns about the potential impact on human health. While the direct harm caused by the presence of microplastics in the human body is not yet fully understood, studies in birds have shown that ingested plastic can lead to the remodelling of finger-like projections in the small intestine, disrupt iron absorption, and add stress to the liver. Additionally, researchers have speculated that plastic particles in the human gut could affect the digestive system's immune response and potentially aid the transmission of toxic chemicals and pathogens.

The sources of plastic ingestion are varied and include consuming food wrapped in plastic, drinking from plastic bottles, and exposure to airborne plastic fibres that fall onto food during preparation. Philipp Schwabl, a researcher at the Medical University of Vienna who led the study, emphasized the need for further research to understand the implications for human health.

Microplastics in drinking water

It is estimated that microplastics are present in tap water at concentrations of thousands of particles per litre, and in bottled water at concentrations of hundreds or thousands of particles per litre. These tiny plastic particles, measuring less than 5mm in diameter, are an emerging contaminant that has raised concerns among scientists and consumers alike. With plastic pollution pervading our environment, it is no surprise that microplastics have made their way into our drinking water. The sources of these microplastics can be traced back to a variety of human activities, and their presence in our water supply has sparked debates about the potential risks to human health.

Microplastics can enter our drinking water through a variety of pathways. One significant source is the breakdown of larger plastic items, such as water bottles, plastic bags, and synthetic fibres from clothing. Over time, these plastics fragment into smaller and smaller pieces due to exposure to environmental factors like sunlight and mechanical processes like wave action. Another source of microplastics is the direct discharge of tiny plastic particles from industrial processes and personal care products. These microplastics, often used as exfoliants or abrasives, are designed to be small and can easily enter our waterways.

Once microplastics enter our drinking water sources, they can be challenging to remove. Conventional water treatment processes, such as sedimentation and filtration, may not effectively eliminate all microplastic particles, especially those in the smaller size ranges. Some advanced treatment processes, like membrane filtration or activated carbon adsorption, can be more effective, but they are also more costly and energy-intensive. As a result, ensuring completely microplastic-free drinking water can be challenging, and the presence of these particles in our tap and bottled water is a persistent issue.

The potential health risks associated with ingesting microplastics are still being investigated. Some studies suggest that these tiny plastic particles can accumulate in the body and potentially lead to adverse effects. There are concerns that microplastics may absorb and transport toxic chemicals, including persistent organic pollutants, heavy metals, and endocrine-disrupting chemicals, which could be released in the body. Additionally, the small size of microplastics means they may cross biological barriers and potentially impact various organs and systems. However, the extent and significance of these risks remain uncertain, and more research is needed to fully understand the implications for human health.

Microplastics in the food we eat

Microplastics are small plastic particles that come from the degradation of plastics. They are ubiquitous in nature and affect both wildlife and humans. They have been detected in many marine species, drinking water, and numerous foods such as salt, honey, and marine organisms. Microplastics can also enter our bodies through inhaled air.

Data from animal studies have shown that once absorbed, microplastics can distribute to the liver, spleen, heart, lungs, thymus, reproductive organs, kidneys, and even the brain. In addition, microplastics are transporters of persistent organic pollutants or heavy metals from invertebrate organisms to other higher trophic levels. After ingestion, the additives and monomers in their composition can interfere with important biological processes in the human body and can cause disruption of the endocrine and immune systems. They may also have a negative impact on mobility and reproduction.

The proliferation of plastic products in recent decades has been extraordinary. We are producing over 380 million tons of plastic annually, and some reports indicate that up to 50% of that is for single-use purposes. It is estimated that more than 10 million tons of plastic are dumped into our oceans each year. The increase in plastic waste has been exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic, which has resulted in a large volume of discarded personal protective equipment. The global use of face masks, which mainly contain polypropylene, and poor waste management practices have contributed to worsening microplastic pollution.

Microplastics have been found in all 16 protein products sampled in one study, with breaded shrimp having the highest concentration of plastic particles. Highly processed chicken nuggets were found to contain 30 times more microplastics per gram than chicken breasts. Other studies have found large quantities of plastic in salt, with coarse Himalayan pink salt and black salt having the highest concentrations of microplastic fragments. Nylon tea bags, which are made of plastic, can release more than 11 billion microplastic and 3 billion nanoplastic particles in a single bag.

While it is challenging to completely avoid microplastics, there are ways to reduce exposure. This includes minimizing the use of plastic in food and its packaging, such as switching from bottled water to filtered tap water, and boiling and filtering water to remove plastic particles. It is also recommended to avoid putting hot food into plastic packaging and storing it in warm environments, as heat causes microplastics to migrate.

Microplastics in the air we breathe

The proliferation of plastic products has been extraordinary in the last several decades. Humans are producing over 380 million tons of plastic annually, with some reports indicating that up to 50% of that is for single-use purposes.

Microplastics are now found in the most remote places on land and in the ocean, as well as in our food. Several studies have confirmed their presence in the air we breathe. These microplastics are formed 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 extraction to production, transport, use, disposal, and remediation, emits both primary and secondary microplastics and other hazardous substances. Air, being a strong environmental medium, allows the spread and effects of airborne microplastics to remain localized or extend far beyond the point of release.

Microplastics are so lightweight that even chunks the width of a human hair can be lifted and blown great distances. While individual bits of plastic may stay airborne for only hours, days, or weeks, there is so much plastic in the air that it is now found in human lungs. The highest reported concentrations of airborne microplastics were measured at urban sampling sites in London and Beijing.

Research on the health impacts of inhaling microplastics is still in its early stages, but studies have shown a range of adverse effects along the respiratory tract, from irritation to the onset of cancer in cases of chronic exposure. These adverse effects include the development of interstitial lung diseases, resulting in coughing, difficulty breathing, and a reduction in lung capacity.

Microplastics in the clothes we wear

The proliferation of plastic products over the last few decades has been extraordinary. Humans have become addicted to this nearly indestructible material, producing over 380 million tons of plastic annually, with some reports indicating that up to 50% of that is for single-use purposes. The impact of this disposable lifestyle is evident in the growing environmental challenge posed by plastics, with plastic waste piling up in landfills and oceans.

One significant contributor to this issue is the presence of microplastics in the clothes we wear. Synthetic textiles, such as polyester, nylon, polyamide, acrylic, and spandex, are common sources of microplastics. When these synthetic fibres are manufactured, washed, worn, or dried, they release tiny plastic fibres into the water and air. These microfibres have been detected in various ecosystems, including the air, soil, and oceans, and have even been found in lung tissue, posing risks to human health and ecosystems alike.

The release of microplastics from textiles is a recognized environmental concern. Research estimates that synthetic textiles contribute between 0.2 and 0.5 million tonnes of microplastics to the oceans annually, with approximately 35% resulting from washing synthetic textiles. The issue is further exacerbated by the prevalence of synthetic fibres in the textile industry, currently accounting for about 60% of textile fibres used. The washing process plays a significant role in shedding microfibres, and while natural fibres have been suggested as an alternative, they may not necessarily reduce microfibre formation, as they too can shed microfibres over time.

To address the problem of microplastics in clothing, several measures can be implemented:

• Sustainable design and production: Shifting textile designs towards natural fibres can potentially reduce microfibre shedding. However, it is important to consider the viability of this approach in terms of textile properties and overall effectiveness in reducing microplastic formation.
• Caretaking measures: Consumers can play a role by reducing the number of wash cycles for their clothes, opting for full loads, and employing caretaking measures such as airing out clothes and spot cleaning to minimize fibre shedding.
• Improved disposal and end-of-life processing: Developing advanced sorting technologies and creating new products that utilize recycled plastics can encourage the transition to a circular economy, reducing the need for virgin plastics.

By implementing these strategies, we can collectively work towards reducing the presence of microplastics in the clothes we wear and mitigating their impact on our health and the environment.

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