Alexei Volkov
Plastic has become a ubiquitous part of our lives, our environment, and, perhaps, even our bodies. Microplastics, or plastic pieces less than 5 millimetres across, have been found everywhere, from the Mariana Trench to Mount Everest, and now, increasingly, in human beings. They have been detected in human blood, breast milk, the placenta, testicles, hearts, livers, kidneys, and lungs. While the science is unsettled, researchers say there is cause for concern.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Extent of plastic in our bodies | Plastic has been found in the human bloodstream, lung tissue, breast milk, placentas, testicles, hearts, livers, kidneys, and feces. |
| Sources of plastic in our bodies | Plastic enters the body through inhalation or the consumption of contaminated food or drinks. Plastic particles are found in the air, cosmetics, household dust, and food products such as fruits and vegetables. They can also be intentionally added to cosmetics and personal care products. |
| Health risks | The health risks of plastic in the human body are not yet fully understood. Some studies suggest potential adverse effects, including allergic reactions, cell death, cardiovascular disease, and fertility issues. Chemicals found in plastics are known to cause cancers, metabolic disorders, and attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder. |
| Challenges in studying health impacts | Studying the impact of microplastics on human health is challenging due to ethical considerations and the difficulty of conducting large-scale epidemiological studies. |
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What You'll Learn
Microplastics in our blood
Microplastics have been found in human blood, with studies reporting their presence in the blood samples of 17 out of 22 healthy adults. This discovery indicates that microplastics can travel throughout the body and potentially lodge in organs. The particles have been detected in various forms, including PET plastic, polystyrene, and polyethylene, which are commonly used in drinks bottles, food packaging, and plastic bags, respectively.
The presence of microplastics in the human body is a growing concern, with evidence suggesting two main entry routes: ingestion through food and water, and inhalation. Contamination of our food supply by microplastics has been observed, with studies finding their presence in everyday fruits, vegetables, and wheat and lettuce plants. Additionally, sewage sludge used to fertilize agricultural lands can introduce microplastics into our food system. Inhalation of microplastics is also a significant route of exposure, as these particles are prevalent in indoor environments, given off by plastic materials in our homes, such as carpets, insulation, and clothing.
The health risks associated with microplastics in the blood remain largely unknown, but researchers have expressed concern. Microplastics may act as endocrine disruptors, interfering with hormone regulation and leading to a range of health issues. Studies have also shown that microplastics can latch onto the outer membranes of red blood cells, potentially impacting their ability to transport oxygen. In vitro studies have further demonstrated the detrimental effects of microplastics on cells, including allergic reactions, cell death, and metabolic issues.
While the full extent of the harm caused by microplastics in the blood is yet to be determined, their ubiquitous presence in our environment and our bodies underscores the urgency of further research. The challenge of studying these tiny plastic particles and their impact on human health cannot be overstated, and concerted efforts are required to address this emerging global health concern.
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Microplastics in our lungs
Microplastics are everywhere, and that includes our bodies. Research points to two main ways that microplastics enter the human body: we swallow them and we breathe them in.
A 2021 study in Brazil found microplastics in 13 of 20 autopsy samples, and a US study of lung cancer patients in 1998 found plastic fibres in more than 100 samples. In 2022, microplastics were found in human blood for the first time, and in lung tissue from living people.
The presence of microplastics in our lungs is a growing concern. A study using μFTIR analysis found microplastics in all regions of the lungs, with the highest concentration in the lower regions. The particles found in the lungs included polypropylene, used in plastic packaging and pipes, and PET, used in bottles. Polypropylene and polyethylene terephthalate fibres were the most abundant types of microplastics found in the lungs.
The health risks of microplastics in the lungs are not yet fully understood. However, researchers are concerned as microplastics have been shown to cause damage to human cells in laboratory tests, including allergic reactions and cell death. Inhaled particles might irritate and damage the lungs, similar to the damage caused by other airborne pollutants. Studies have also reported respiratory symptoms and diseases following exposure to high levels of microplastics in occupational settings.
The American Lung Association has linked air pollution to lung diseases such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and cancer, which kill millions of people every year. As microplastics are now ubiquitous in the environment, human exposure is unavoidable, and there is an increasing concern about the potential hazards to health.
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Microplastics in our food and water
Plastic is prevalent in our oceans and waterways, and it breaks down into smaller particles over time. These small plastic bits are called "microplastics" and are less than five millimetres in size. They can come from larger plastic pieces that have degraded, or they can be manufactured at this size, such as the microbeads found in some cosmetics and personal care products.
Microplastics have been detected in the environment, including in the soil, water, and air, and they can enter our food and water systems. Studies have found microplastics in various foods, including salt, seafood, sugar, honey, milk, tea, and bottled water. They have also been found in everyday fruits and vegetables, with wheat and lettuce plants taking up microplastic particles from the soil.
Microplastics can enter our water systems through personal care products that are washed off and enter the sewage system. They can end up in the sewage sludge used to fertilize agricultural lands or be released into waterways. Additionally, microplastics can pass through water filtration systems and end up in oceans and lakes, where they can be ingested by aquatic life and enter our food chain.
While the presence of microplastics in our food and water systems is concerning, the health risks to humans are still uncertain. There is limited scientific evidence to demonstrate that the levels of microplastics detected in foods pose a significant risk. However, research is ongoing, and laboratory tests have shown that microplastics can cause damage to human cells and potentially interfere with the body's hormones. The extent of exposure and the specific effects on human health remain areas of active investigation.
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Microplastics in our cosmetics
Microplastics, or plastic particles smaller than 5mm, have been found in human blood, breast milk, lungs, maternal and fetal placental tissues, and even in the guts of fish and shellfish. While the health risks are still unknown, researchers say there is cause for concern.
One of the main ways microplastics enter our bodies is through the products we use and consume. They are intentionally added to cosmetics like lipstick, lip gloss, and eye makeup to improve their feel and finish, and to personal care products, such as face scrubs, toothpastes, and shower gels, for cleansing and exfoliating properties. When washed off, these microplastics enter the sewage system and can end up in the sewage sludge from wastewater treatment plants, which is used to fertilize agricultural lands, or even in treated water released into waterways.
L'Oréal, for example, has been working on reformulating its rinse-off products since 2014 and has eliminated all plastic microbeads from its exfoliant products since January 2017. Their data shows that microplastics contained in cosmetics represent 8% of the total amount of microplastics intentionally added to products and present in the environment in Europe. However, there is a lack of studies on the long-term effects of these microplastics on human health, with most research focusing on "`rinse-off` products rather than "leave-on" products, which are purchased in greater volumes and often have multiple microplastic ingredients in their formulations.
The presence of microplastics in cosmetics has sparked an international campaign, Beat the Microbead, which aims to ban plastic ingredients in cosmetics. Since the campaign's inception, 19 countries have taken steps to ban microbeads. Common Seas, along with over 80 NGOs, scientists, and MPs, are also advocating for the UK government to allocate £15 million to research the human health impacts of plastic ingestion.
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Microplastics in our houses
Microplastics are plastic pieces that are less than 5mm across. They are found everywhere, from the Mariana Trench to Mount Everest, and are now also present in our bodies.
Sources of microplastics in our homes
Microplastics are ubiquitous in our homes, and as a result, they are in our bodies. The air, water, and food in our homes contain tiny, microscopic plastic particles.
Microplastics are released from man-made materials in our homes, such as carpets, insulation, curtains, and clothes. Synthetic clothing, in particular, often contains plastic-based fibres such as polyester, nylon, or polyamide, which can shed when worn or washed. In fact, studies have shown that the concentration of microplastics indoors can be up to 60 times higher than outdoors.
Other sources of microplastics in the home include personal care products such as cosmetics, face scrubs, toothpastes, and shower gels, which contain microplastics for cleansing, exfoliating, viscosity, colour, and sparkle. When washed off, these microplastics enter the sewage system and can eventually end up in agricultural lands or treated water released into waterways.
Reducing exposure to microplastics
While the health impacts of microplastics are still unclear, researchers say there is cause for concern. Here are some ways to reduce your exposure to microplastics in your home:
- Opt for natural materials that don't contain plastic, especially for items like furniture, carpets, and toys.
- Choose fabrics made with natural fibres such as wool and cotton instead of synthetic ones.
- Keep plastic items out of direct sunlight, as this causes materials to break down and release airborne microplastics.
- Use eco-friendly alternatives during cleanup, as sponges, microfiber dishcloths, and kitchen brushes can shed microplastics.
- Reduce your plastic consumption by choosing reusable options or buying products in low-waste packaging.
- Use the Beat the Microbead app to scan products for microplastics.
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Frequently asked questions
Microplastics are plastic pieces less than 5 millimetres across. They can be found in the air, water, food, and various household products.
Microplastics can enter our bodies through inhalation or ingestion of contaminated food or drinks. They can also enter through the skin when using certain cosmetics and personal care products.
The health risks of microplastics in our bodies are not yet fully understood. However, researchers have found microplastics in human blood and organs, and there is concern about their potential impact on human health. Studies have linked plastics to various health issues, including cancers, metabolic disorders, and fertility problems.
