By – Deva Narayan
28th August 2024: Microplastics, plastic particles less than five millimeters in diameter, emerged as a global environmental concern that is omnipresent in oceans, rivers, and soils. Yet this concern surpassed the questions about microplastic presence in humans. Microplastics are everywhere, from the deepest ocean trenches to the highest mountains — and now, disturbingly, inside the human body. These particles come from many sources including the breakdown of larger plastic debris, microbeads found in personal care products, synthetic fibers from clothing, and increasingly common single-use plastic items such as bottles and food packaging; they are small enough to be ingested via drinking water or contaminated food. They have also been found in bottled water, seafood, table salt, and even the air we breathe.
Routes of Exposure
Ingestion and inhalation are the two primary routes by which microplastics can invade human bodies. Microplastics can be directly ingested when they contaminate food and water. Seafood, especially shellfish, is a major source of ingestion as they often feed on microplastics in their habitats, but microplastics have also been found in popular consumer items like honey, sugar, and beer. When released from synthetic textiles or through the degradation of plastic waste, airborne microplastics can be inhaled into our respiratory system as well.
Health Implications
The impact of microplastics on human health is an emerging field of study. However, little is known about the extent to which they can harm humans, but there are certain potential health risks associated with microplastic exposure.
Inflammatory Responses: Microplastics can cause inflammatory responses in the body, especially in the lungs and gastrointestinal tract. The body may react to microplastics as it would to other harmful particles we inhale or ingest, launching an immune response that results in inflammation. Chronic inflammation has been linked to a host of health problems, including respiratory issues, cardiovascular disease, and digestive disorders.
Chemical Exposure: Microplastics contain toxic chemicals such as phthalates, bisphenol A (BPA), and heavy metals whose properties make plastics suitable for specific functions. Many of these chemical additives are known as endocrine disruptors, which means they can interfere with your hormonal systems. Long-term exposure can lead to reproductive harm (such as reduced fertility), developmental damage in children, and certain cancers.
Cellular and Tissue Damage: New studies are hinting at the fact that microplastics may be able to cross cellular membranes and accumulate in tissues, which could lead to cellular damage that disrupts normal cellular functions, hence leading to a variety of health complications.
Populations at Risk
Certain populations may be at greater risk from microplastics. Pregnant women, infants, and young children are of special concern. Fetuses and young children have developing bodies that can be more sensitive to toxicants than adults.
Addressing the impact of microplastics on human health is a complex challenge that requires a multi-faceted approach. At the source, plastic pollution must be reduced; single-use plastics should be minimized where feasible, waste management systems improved and biodegradable alternatives supported. Further research is required to better understand the potential health risks associated with microplastic exposure and develop risk management strategies.
The impact of microplastics on human health is an emerging concern that requires urgent attention. As these tiny particles continue to infiltrate our environment and our bodies, understanding their potential health risks is essential. By taking action to reduce plastic pollution and by conducting further research into the effects of microplastics on health, we can work towards a future where the dangers of microplastic exposure are minimized, ensuring a safer and healthier environment for all.