Microplastics are tiny plastic particles that measure less than 5 millimeters in length. And they are so “popular,” the Boyfriend jokes about them all the time, but what are their effects on our human health. These particles are found in many products we use everyday like cosmetics, cleaning products, and even our clothing. They can also come from the breakdown of larger plastic items that end up in the environment.
As a result, microplastics are now ubiquitous in the environment. We live in a world filled with microplastics. And as far as our interaction with them….they can be found in our food and water supply, and even more shocking places like our bloodstream and organs.
While the impact of microplastics on the environment has been well documented, their effect on human health is less clear since this is a relatively new phenomenon. Plus the human body is just so complex before we start adding new-age plastic to our delicate tissues.
Table of Contents
From Plastic to Microplastics
Microplastics are small plastic particles that are largely unknown to us as we live our day-to-day lives. They can be divided into two main categories: primary microplastics, which are intentionally manufactured at a small size for use in products like exfoliating scrubs and cosmetics, and secondary microplastics, which result from the breakdown of larger plastic items like water bottles, packaging, and fishing nets.
These minuscule plastic particles can enter the environment through a variety of pathways. For instance, primary microplastics are often washed down the drain and end up in waterways, while secondary microplastics are formed through the degradation of larger plastic items or from the shedding of synthetic fibers from clothing during washing. Once in the environment, microplastics persist for long periods and have been found in various ecosystems, including oceans, rivers, and even the air we breathe.
The impact of microplastics in the environment and its impact on organisms is a concern. Marine life, in particular, is at risk as consumption of microplastics by aquatic organisms can cause physical harm and potentially transfer toxic substances up the food chain. Moreover, the presence of microplastics in the food and water supply raises concerns about potential human health effects.
Human Exposure to Microplastics
Microplastics seem to be everywhere these days, even in items that I would never have imagined. These tiny plastics can come from a variety of sources, including:
- Cosmetics: Microbeads are tiny plastic particles that are commonly found in facial scrubs, toothpaste, and body washes. When these products are used and washed down our drains, the microbeads can enter the water system and eventually end up in the ocean.
- Clothing: Synthetic fabrics such as polyester and nylon are made from plastic fibers. When these fabrics are washed, they release microfibers that can enter the water system.
- Industrial Processes: Microplastics are produced during industrial processes such as manufacturing, packaging, and transportation of plastic products.
- Litter: Plastic waste such as bottles, bags, and packaging can break down over time into microplastics.
- Biodegradable Plastics: Even well-meaning biodegrabable plastics designed to breakdown faster than normal plastics can still fragment into smaller pieces over time, leading to the release of microplastics into the environment. Additionally, the breakdown of biodegradable plastics may not occur under all environmental conditions, and improper disposal can also lead to plastics never being able to fully degrade.
Once microplastics enter the environment, they can be carried by wind and water to different parts of the world. They have been found in the air we breathe, the soil we use to grow our plants, and all the waterways, including rivers, lakes, and oceans.
Microplastic Contamination
Microplastics can be ingested by marine animals and accumulate in the roots and tissues of various plant species. These leads to additional concerns on microplastics being in many of our food sources. The World Health Organization (WHO) has acknowledged the growing concern surrounding microplastic pollution and its potential effects in humans and the environment. In a report published in 2019, the WHO stated that microplastics in drinking water do not appear to pose a health risk at current levels, but the organization called for a more thorough assessment of microplastics in the environment, particularly in terms of their potential effects on our bodies and health.
Marine Microplastics
Microplastics in the marine environment can end up ingested by marine animals, potentially causing serious damage. Marine animals can mistake these little plastic particles for food, and before you know it, the microplastics end up in the food chain. It’s crazy to think about, but we (as a collective, I don’t like or eat any type of seafood) are actually eating fish that have ingested these microplastics; which basically means we’re eating plastic if my high school classes on theory and logic are still fresh enough in my brain.
And that’s not even the worst part – these microplastics can release harmful chemicals in the animals’ bodies, causing disruptions in their body systems like hormones or their gut health as well. That’s all microplastics, but even the larger plastics floating in the water can cause issues with swallowing or digestion, or even get caught around marine animals beaks.
Marine microplastics have also been seen to damage the habitats of marine animals and disrupt the balance of ecosystems. So, yeah, marine microplastics might be tiny, but they’re definitely causing some big problems in the ocean. We can definitely dive in deeper one of these days, but plastic pollution is such a large topic.
Plant Microplastics
Now, about the plants…which we eat in ABUNDANCE. While we do try to grow most of our vegetables in our homegrown garden, it’s not all of the veggies we eat. Plus we do still have to rely on rain water and commercially made compost, both which can end up with microplastics from larger bodies of water or plastics making their way into the compost we purchase. It happens every year that we order large amounts of mushroom compost that there are inevitably plastic strings, ground up plastic bottles, and plastic bags buried in the compost pile as we use it around our garden.
And some of our herbs in our front herb garden are possibly within the range of our dryer vent spewing out microplastics from our clothes, which is why we try to line dry our clothes as much as possible.
Effects of Microplastics on Human Health
Microplastics come from a variety of sources, including cosmetics, clothing, and industrial waste. And we are exposed to them through inhalation of particles in the air, ingestion in dust, water, and our diet. While the impact of microplastics on human health is still being studied, there is growing evidence that they can have adverse effects on our bodies. Some early research studies have shown that microplastics can accumulate in our bodies over time; with the accumulation potentially causing damage to our organs and tissues.
According to a study published in Frontiers in Endocrinology, humans are estimated to ingest tens of thousands to millions of microplastic particles annually, or on the order of several milligrams daily. This exposure can occur through the consumption of seafood, bottled water, the vegetables we eat, and even table salt.
Once ingested, microplastics build up in various organs and tissues, including our lungs, liver, kidneys, and intestines. A study published by the National Institute of Health reported that microplastics were found in all human organs and tissues examined, while another study found that microplastics were present in human feces, indicating that they can pass through the digestive system and potentially affect gut microbiota.
Exposure to microplastics can have various effects on our health, although the extent of these effects is still being studied. Laboratory tests have shown that microplastics cause damage to human cells, including both allergic reactions and cell death.
Toxicological Effects on Human Cells
Microplastics have the potential to disrupt our endocrine system, which plays a crucial role in regulating hormones within the body. Hormones are already temperamental, intricate chemical messengers that orchestrate a wide range of physiological processes; any disruption to their normal function can have far-reaching effects on our health.
Hormone Disturbances
This disruption may contribute to reproductive problems, as hormones play a pivotal role in fertility and reproductive health. Additionally, developmental issues could arise, particularly in the context of prenatal and childhood exposure to disrupted hormone communication pathways. Disturbances in the endocrine system can also impact our metabolic processes, potentially leading to difficulties in losing weight or maintaining a healthy weight. There is also evidence suggesting that endocrine disruption, including one caused by microplastics, may be associated with an increased risk of certain types of cancer.
Potential Effects on Breathing
One study found that exposure to microplastics caused human lung cells to slow down their metabolism and growth, change shapes, and decluster so that gaps exist in what is typically a solid sheet of cells that make up your lungs. The shape changes and appearance of gaps could have significant implications for the function and integrity of our breathing organs.
These gaps may compromise the barrier function of the lung tissue, potentially allowing for the passage of harmful substances or impairing the exchange of gases (to breathe) and nutrients. Additionally, the gaps could disrupt the normal communication and signaling between cells, impacting their coordinated function within the tissue.
Inflammation and Immune Responses
Another study found that when a white blood cell engulfs a certain mass of microplastics, it dies, releasing its enzymes and causing local inflammation. When white blood cells engulf microplastics and subsequently die, the release of enzymes and the initiation of local inflammation could potentially disrupt the normal functioning of our immune system. This could lead to an imbalance in immune responses, potentially impacting the body’s ability to combat infections and maintain overall health. Frequent or chronic exposure to microplastics and the associated immune response could contribute to long-term immune system dysregulation, potentially increasing susceptibility to certain diseases and conditions.
While more research is needed to fully understand the implications for human health, it is clear that microplastics do have the potential to cause significant harm. It is important for us, as individuals and through our policymakers, to take steps to reduce the amount of plastic waste that enters our environment, in order to protect our health and the health of future generations.
Prevention and Mitigation Strategies
Preventing and mitigating microplastics pollution is essential to decrease the human health risk, and the toxic effects on the environment. Here are some strategies that can be implemented:
- Reduce single-use plastics: Governments, businesses, and individuals can reduce the amount of plastic waste that ends up in the environment by reducing the use of single-use plastics such as straws, bags, and utensils. This can be achieved through bans, taxes, or incentives to use reusable alternatives. Or you can work on reducing your waste by getting started with a “zero-waste” or low-waste lifestyle.
- Improve waste management: Proper waste management practices such as recycling, composting, and proper landfill management can reduce the amount of plastic waste that ends up in the environment. Governments and businesses can invest in better waste management infrastructure and educate the public on proper waste disposal.
- Develop eco-friendly products: Businesses can develop products that are eco-friendly and biodegradable, reducing the amount of microplastics that are released into the environment.
- Implement water treatment technologies: Water treatment technologies such as filtration and sedimentation can remove microplastics from wastewater before it is released into the environment.
- Research and monitoring: Continued research and monitoring of microplastics pollution is essential to understand the extent of the problem and to develop effective prevention and mitigation strategies.
Efforts to mitigate the spread of microplastics include the development of biodegradable alternatives, improved waste management practices, and regulations aimed at reducing the use of microplastics in consumer products. Public awareness and individual actions, such as reducing single-use plastic consumption and properly disposing of plastic waste, also play a crucial role in addressing the issue.
While these strategies are effective in reducing microplastics pollution, it is important to note that they are not a complete solution. Governments, businesses, and individuals must continue to work together to develop and implement additional strategies to protect human health and the environment.
Final Thoughts on Microplastics in Humans
Microplastics are everywhere, causing increasing concern on the risk to human health, mostly because it’s all around us and we can’t see it. While there is still a lack of definitive evidence linking microplastics to negative health effects, studies suggest that exposure to high concentrations of microplastics could provoke immune and stress responses, induce reproductive problems, and cause damage to human cells.
Microplastics are found in various environments, including water, sediments, and within organisms. Humans are also exposed to microplastics through ingestion of food and drink and through inhalation. While microplastics only constitute about 3% of plastic pollution, they have the potential to have large impacts on human health.
I feel like we’re being let in on the ground floor; we have the opportunity to help prevent microplastics from having negative health impacts…all by decreasing our overall plastic consumption. Will it work entirely? I have no fucking clue. But instead of being fearful or worried about microplastics (especially the one’s we can’t control), let’s change what we can fix: immediately, and right in front of us. Decrease our overall plastic usage and recycle our plastic properly in accordance with our local guidelines.
