Chloe Zhang
Plastic is everywhere. From the Mariana Trench to Mount Everest, plastic has infiltrated every corner of the planet. It is therefore unsurprising that plastic has also invaded the human body. Microplastics, defined as plastic pieces less than 5mm across, have been found in human blood, breast milk, placentas, testicles, hearts, livers, kidneys, and even the brain. They are consumed via food and water, inhaled from the air, and found in personal care products. While the health effects of microplastics are still unknown, researchers are concerned as laboratory tests have shown that they can cause damage to human cells and may trigger inflammatory responses. As plastic production is set to double by 2040, understanding the impact of microplastics on human health becomes increasingly urgent.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Plastic particle size | Microplastics range from 1 nanometer to 5 millimeters. Nanoplastics are smaller than one micrometer. |
| Plastic particle sources | Environmental contamination from plastic waste, ingestion of plastic-containing food and water, inhalation of airborne particles, use of plastic products like bottles and personal care items. |
| Plastic detection methods | Analysis of blood, lung tissue, feces, placentas, breast milk, and other human tissues. An online tool to standardize measurements of microplastics in human tissues has been developed. |
| Plastic health effects | Potential to cause damage to human cells, including allergic reactions, cell death, and inflammation. May impact the immune system and increase risk of cancer. More research is needed to understand the extent of harm. |
| Plastic exposure reduction | Choose organic food, limit seafood consumption, avoid plastic containers, use plastic-free personal care products, reduce use of plastic water bottles. |
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What You'll Learn
Microplastics in the blood
Microplastics, defined as plastic pieces less than 5mm across, have been found in human blood. A recent study detected microplastics in 88.9% of participants, with a mean concentration of 4.2 MPs/mL. The predominant types of plastics identified were polystyrene and polypropylene. These microplastics are thought to enter the body through ingestion, inhalation, or skin exposure. They have been found in food, drinking water, and food packaging, as well as in the air, cosmetics, and household dust.
The presence of microplastics in the blood suggests that they can be transported throughout the body and may lodge in organs. However, it is still unclear whether they can pass through the blood-brain barrier, a unique, dense network of cells that protect the brain. While the health effects of microplastics in the blood are unknown, there is cause for concern. Laboratory tests have shown that microplastics can cause damage to human cells, including allergic reactions and cell death. They have also been found to latch on to the outer membranes of red blood cells, potentially impacting their ability to transport oxygen.
The detection of microplastics in the blood underscores the need for strategies to reduce human exposure, particularly in relation to blood coagulation and potential cardiovascular risks. Regulatory bodies could require washing machines to include filters that catch microplastics from clothing, or clothing manufacturers could use less plastic. More research is needed to understand the extent of microplastic exposure and its potential health risks.
While the presence of microplastics in the blood is concerning, it is important to note that the science is still unsettled, and more studies are needed to draw conclusive evidence. The challenge lies in measuring the adverse effects of plastics on humans, as human subjects cannot be intentionally fed a diet of plastics. The duration of exposure is also a critical factor in understanding the potential health impacts.
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Plastics in the lungs
The presence of plastics in the lungs suggests that inhalation is one of the routes for plastic particles to enter the human body. A study reported in 2023 identified microplastic particles in 11 out of 13 samples of human lung tissue. The plastics were found throughout the lungs, including the upper, middle, and lower lobes. The study was conducted at the University of Hull in the UK, and the results indicated that airborne particles can be highly intrusive.
Computational approaches have been crucial in comprehending the impact of microplastic deposition on human lung airways. These computational models and simulations allow for the examination of particle dynamics, deposition patterns, and interaction mechanisms at varying complexity levels. However, studying microplastics in the lung airways using computational methods presents certain challenges. The intricate anatomy and physiological processes of the respiratory system necessitate precise representation in computational models. Obtaining relevant data for model validation and parameterization remains a significant hurdle. Moreover, the diverse nature of microplastics, including variations in size, shape, and chemical composition, poses challenges in capturing their full range of behaviours and potential toxicological effects.
Microplastics have been shown to accumulate in different organs of the human body, particularly the lungs. When microplastics enter the lungs, they can damage lung tissue and cells and may even impact the immune system. Individuals with pre-existing pulmonary conditions, such as asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), may be more vulnerable to inflammation in the lungs, which can exacerbate their condition and lead to further health complications.
In a clinical study, airborne microplastics were found to be present in all regions of the human lung airways. The study identified polypropylene as the most abundant type of microplastic, comprising 23% of the total, followed by 18% polyethylene terephthalate, and 15% resin. These findings highlight the diverse nature of microplastics and the need to understand their interactions with the human body better.
While the health effects of plastics in the lungs are not yet fully understood, researchers are actively investigating the potential risks and impacts on human health.
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Plastics in the brain
Microplastics have been detected in almost every part of the human body, including the brain. A study published in August 2023 found microplastics in the brains of mice, which was surprising as the blood-brain barrier is designed to keep foreign substances out.
Researchers at the University of New Mexico (UNM) have also found microplastics in human brains, with concentrations increasing over time. The study, published in Nature Medicine, reported that plastic concentrations in the brain were higher than in other organs, including the liver and kidney, and higher than previously reported for placentas and testes. The researchers used transmission electron microscopy to visually examine tissue samples with high polymer concentrations and found clusters of sharp plastic shards measuring 200 nanometers or less, small enough to cross the blood-brain barrier.
The extent to which microplastics cause harm or toxicity is unclear, and the science is unsettled. However, researchers say there is cause for concern. Laboratory tests have shown that microplastics can cause damage to human cells, including allergic reactions and cell death. A study of human lung tissue also found that the presence of microplastics could trigger an immune response, leading to a strong inflammatory reaction or aggravating existing inflammatory diseases.
The physical characteristics of microplastics may be a concern, as they could obstruct blood flow in capillaries and interfere with connections between axons in the brain. The UNM study also found that brain tissue from people diagnosed with dementia had up to 10 times more plastic than those without, although it is unclear if the higher levels of plastic caused the dementia symptoms.
While the full extent of the risk posed by microplastics is still unknown, their presence in the human body, and particularly the brain, is a cause for concern. More research is needed to understand the potential health consequences of plastic accumulation in the brain and other organs.
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Plastics in the digestive system
The presence of plastics in the human body is a growing concern, with scientists estimating that humans consume 20 kg of plastic during their lifetime. This is due to the widespread use of plastic and the subsequent contamination of the environment, including the air we breathe, the water we drink, the food we eat, and even household dust.
Microplastics, ranging in size from 1 nanometer to 5 millimeters, have been detected in various human tissues, organs, fluids, and feces. They have been found in the blood, breast milk, placenta, testicles, hearts, livers, kidneys, and lungs. While the science is still developing, there is cause for concern as laboratory tests have shown that microplastics can cause damage to human cells, including allergic reactions and cell death.
The human digestive system is a primary target of ingested microplastics, and studies have found conclusive evidence of microplastics in the human stomach. While most microplastics travel through the digestive tract and are excreted in feces, there is a possibility that a small fraction of nanoplastics may be able to cross the barriers of the intestines and enter the bloodstream. This could potentially lead to an immune response and cause inflammatory reactions or aggravate existing inflammatory diseases of the gastrointestinal tract.
The extent of the harm caused by microplastics in the digestive system is still unclear, and more research is needed to understand the full impact on human health. However, it is recommended to take steps to reduce exposure to microplastics, such as avoiding the use of single-use plastics, skincare products containing microplastics, and heating food in plastic containers.
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How to reduce plastic exposure
While it is impossible to completely avoid plastics, there are several ways to reduce your exposure to plastic and plastic chemicals.
One way to reduce your plastic exposure is to avoid using plastic products as much as possible. For example, you can use water bottles made of glass or steel instead of plastic, and carry around your own steel straw. You can also limit your use of vinyl products, and choose alternative materials for items like shower curtains, flooring, car interiors, and clothing.
Another way to reduce plastic exposure is to limit your consumption of highly processed foods, especially fast food. Many chemicals found in plastics are fat-soluble, and can be found in high levels in fatty foods. Try to eat more fresh, unpackaged fruits and vegetables, and reduce your intake of red meat.
You can also reduce plastic exposure by avoiding products with added fragrances, such as soap, cosmetics, and cleaning products, as these often contain phthalates.
Finally, regular vacuuming can help reduce your exposure to plastic fibres that accumulate in carpets, curtains, and sofas.
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Frequently asked questions
Plastics enter the human body through ingestion, inhalation, and exposure to products containing microplastics, such as certain toothpastes, personal care products, and bottled water.
The health risks of plastics in the body are currently unknown, but researchers are concerned as laboratory studies have shown that microplastics can cause damage to human cells, including allergic reactions and cell death. There is also the possibility of an immune response, which could lead to inflammatory issues in the lungs or gastrointestinal tract.
To reduce exposure to plastics, it is recommended to avoid high-risk foods, such as certain seafood, and opt for organic produce. It is also suggested to limit the use of plastic products in the kitchen and choose plastic-free alternatives for personal care and skincare products. Staying hydrated can also help flush out toxins.
