Microplastics: What They Are, How They Affect Us, And How to Avoid Them
Microplastics
are tiny particles found in many products we use daily. Learn about their
effects on our bodies and what we can do to avoid them.
What is microplastic?
Microplastics are parts or filaments
of polymer-based things going from containers and textures to tires and paints.
Plastic particles are released into the air and waterways when synthetic
fabrics rip in the washing machine and when automobile tires degrade on the road.
Where Do We Find It?
Microplastic
particles are commonly found in water sources, soil, and dust. In fact, some
studies suggest that humans are exposed to more than 100 times the average level
of microplastics in the environment.
Microplastics in water.
Microplastics
were discovered in 93% of the samples of bottled water from 9 different
nations, according to Frontiers in Chemistry research from 2018.
Microplastics in food.
Additionally, microplastics have
been found in fish and chicken eggs, and plastic tea bags discharge billions of
them into beverages. They can also be found in salt, beer, and tap water.
Additionally, it is possible that
humans consume 80 g of microplastics daily through plants (fruits and
vegetables), which absorb microplastics from contaminated soil.
It is already widely known that
marine species used for human sustenance, such as fish, bivalves, and crabs,
contain microplastics.
Nanoplastics
Even while most plastics
continuously break down into microscopic fragments that eventually grow to be
nanoplastics with sizes ranging from 1 nm to 1000 nm, it may take decades or
even centuries for those fragments to entirely dissolve compared to natural fibers
like cotton or linen.
How Do microplastics and nanoplastics Impact Our Health?
Microplastics in lungs (inhalation):
Microplastics are transported by the
wind or via air depositions, and they may also be produced by dried sludges,
wastewater treatment byproducts, synthetic clothing materials, industrial
emissions, road dust, and marine aerosol. Men may develop autoimmune illnesses,
cytotoxic and inflammatory consequences, and respiratory distress because of
its spread.
Lung cancer
Twelve different types of
microplastics were found in 11 out of 13 lung tissue samples taken from
individuals undergoing surgery for lung cancer in a 2021 study published in the
Journal of Hazardous. The most frequent microplastics discovered were
polypropylene and polyethylene terephthalate (PET). PET is frequently used to
make textiles and beverage bottles, while polypropylene is typically used to
make items like potato chip bags and straws.
Respiratory conditions such as chronic bronchitis
It has been connected to significant
exposure to microplastics. Asthma-like immediate bronchial reactions, diffuse
interstitial fibrosis, granulomas with fiber inclusions (extrinsic allergic
alveolitis, chronic pneumonia), inflammatory and fibrotic changes in the
bronchial and peribronchial tissue (chronic bronchitis), and lesions of the
interalveolar septa (pneumothorax). All possible responses to inhaled particles
depend on the individual's susceptibility and metabolism.
Ingestion of microplastics:
Ulcerative colitis
According to research published in
Environmental Science & Technology, patients with inflammatory bowel
illness had much more microplastics in their stools than healthy patients. The
type of plastic ingested may be a risk indicator, too. There’s evidence that
certain plastics, such as polyurethanes, polyacrylonitriles, and epoxy resins,
are among the most hazardous polymers to human health.
Microplastics in Human Blood
Microplastics are not only inhaled
by us; we are also consuming them. Humans may ingest up to 52 000 microplastic
particles annually, according to a 2019 article in Environmental Science &
Technology, and this number rises to 121 000 when considering those that are
breathed. Additionally, there is a potential for particles to find their way to
reach all orangs after passing via the intestines and being absorbed into the bloodstream.
In 17 out of 22 blood samples from
healthy donors, researchers discovered polymer particles between 700 nm and 500
000 nm in a study that was published earlier this year in Environment
International. PET was detected in 50% of samples, polymerized styrene was
found in 36%, and polyethylene was found in 23%.
Microplastics can affect cellular
processes and induce oxidative stress, DNA damage, and inflammation, which can
become chronic and result in major health issues. They can also attach to and
deform the outer membranes of human red blood cells.
Crossing the blood-brain barrier
Microplastics were proved to reach
the brain by crossing the blood-brain barrier, this was proved by animal
studies in rodents.
Microplastics as a vector for chemicals and pathogens:
Microplastic might go about as a
transporter for microorganisms and hazardous chemicals:
Perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl (PFAS)
Perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl
substances (PFAS), which free-floating microplastics can adsorb, are significant
water contaminants, and there are currently no safe drinking-water thresholds
for them.
These substances have been related
to various health issues, such as thyroid dysfunction, dyslipidemia, and
cancer.
Pathogen carrier:
Microplastics may act as carriers
for bacteria, viruses, and other pathogens, such as the rotavirus, which can
cause diarrhea, especially in young children and infants.
According to a study published in
the journal Environmental Pollution, viruses were shown to live longer when
linked to synthetic particles that protected them from chlorine, ozone, and UV
radiation. Rotavirus was found to bind to microplastics in freshwater for at
least 2 days.
What Can You Do About It?
There
are several things you can do to reduce your exposure to microplastics. First,
try to limit the number of plastic items you consume. Second, wash your hands
frequently with soap and water. Third, choose reusable bags when shopping at
stores where plastic bags are not provided. Fourth, consider using glass
containers instead of plastic bottles. Finally, recycle any plastics you find in
the trash.
Demand for action
In a 2013 Nature editorial, it was
suggested that plastic garbage be labeled as hazardous waste rather than solid
waste. The article, which was co-authored by several top experts on
microplastics, stated that " Policies for managing plastic debris are outdated and threaten the
health of people and wildlife." Microplastics are a part of the plastic
debris mentioned.
The US government has recently lagged
in terms of microplastic legislation. Federal legislation to control
microplastic waste has slowed down since 2015's ban on plastic microbeads in
cosmetics. A bill that was introduced to the House of Representatives back in
2020 with the intention of eradicating microplastics from the environment and
halting future trash has been stationary ever since.
Conclusion:
Microplastics are found everywhere
in the environment, humans are exposed to them through ingestion, inhalation,
or skin contact, it may be linked to diseases such as lung cancer and
ulcerative colitis or may serve as a vector for toxic chemicals and pathogens.