Microplastics

For the past year, scientists have been finding microplastics inside different organs of the human body, and they are causing many dangerous health issues.

Many are aware that plastic has been negatively affecting the environment by polluting oceans and ecosystems. But what people may not realize is that plastic has also begun to pollute people’s bodies.

Plastics are found nearly everywhere nowadays. In fact, most products in the world contain plastic. This is because it is an extremely valuable material with many different uses. However, when plastic breaks down, it creates what’s called microplastics. These small particles may measure anywhere less than five millimeters, so people can’t even see most of them.

Microplastics have been detected all over the human body, in the saliva, bloodstream, lungs, brain, reproductive organs, and many other areas. Scientists first discovered this while looking at mice.

“I didn’t really think we were going to see anything. Every one we looked at we found the microplastics. It was surprising, especially finding them in the brain. Things are not supposed to go there!” Neuroscientist Dr. Jaime Ross said.

When plastics enter blood cells, they pose threats like the increased risk of strokes, heart attacks, blood clotting, and inflammation. In other areas of the body, the chemicals from microplastics have been linked to various health issues. These may include, but are not limited to, cancer, damage to the immune system, decreased fertility in both men and women, and developmental delays.

“Although data is still quite limited, maybe all these epidemics that we have— obesity, cardiovascular disease, everybody getting cancer— are related,” Dr. Desiree LaBeaud said.

There are a few different ways for microplastics to enter the body. One is simply through ingestion. Any food and water that came from plastic packaging or containers likely contains microplastics. This is also true for the material of cookware and utensils, as any plastics in those will seep into food. A lot of agricultural soils and organic fertilizers intentionally include microplastics as of late, so the food is contaminated from the start.

Another way plastics can get into the body is through inhalation. A lot of microplastics are so tiny that they become particles floating in the air, similar to dust. People breathe them in constantly without even knowing it, mostly when they’re near urban areas, landfill erosion, and ocean spray. The particles can also be emitted from vehicles and braking.

One of the most overlooked means of microplastics infiltrating the body is skin contact. Human skin is meant to protect them from outside materials, but microplastics have found a way to get past it. They can enter through small wounds, hair follicles, and sweat glands. Chemicals in the plastic seep through the skin and into the body, creating many of the health issues mentioned previously.

Emission through skin contact is one of the hardest to avoid, as much of the clothing people wear contains plastic in it. With clothes constantly pressing and rubbing on people’s skin, they are being exposed to chemicals much more than most might think. Even most skin care products contain intentionally manufactured plastics called microbeads. Microbeads are used for their abrasive and exfoliating qualities, but end up harming humans instead. Many shower gels, face washes, and skin creams are up to 10% plastic, and people are literally rubbing these microplastics into their skin.

“I feel that it is extremely overused, and there are many other things we can use instead for things like the places we hold food and water. We are absorbing too much plastic. It can’t be healthy,” NHS freshman Olivia Setkoski said.

People should try to avoid contact with microplastics as much as they can. No one wants to face the horrible health issues that can result from exposure to them. Scientists recommend small but significant lifestyle changes to steer clear of microplastics. People can buy reusable products, water filters, and glass kitchenware, utensils, and containers. Also, drink tap water rather than bottled water whenever possible. Wearing clothing made from natural fibers over synthetic ones can also decrease skin contact.

“I think to spread awareness there should be more education on the dangers and potential results of what plastic is doing to health. Another option to spread awareness is through protest against companies and the production of plastic, though this doesn’t always work. A way of prevention would be to reuse, less plastic pollution, and less consumption of microplastics that are harmful to the body,” NHS sophomore Viv Srebotnik said.

Another easy way to help with this issue is by properly disposing of plastic waste so it never has the opportunity to break down into microplastics. It’s important to encourage others to do the same, because the best way to deal with this pressing issue is by simply spreading awareness.

“I don’t want to demonize plastics; they’re quite important. But do we really need our vegetables wrapped in plastic at the grocery store? Let’s have a conversation about what we really need plastic for,” Ross said.