Microplastics in Humans
Plastics are in our bodies, what does that mean for us?
Image source: https://www.forbes.com/sites/victoriaforster/2020/08/18/microplastics-found-in-human-organs-for-the-first-time/#3849175316f2
In a perfect world all plastics would end up recycled in the proper facility- but the reality is that over 86% of plastics end up in landfills, or in the environment. When plastics age and are exposed to natural elements (erosion, exposure to weather, etc.), they break down in smaller fragments 5” in diameter or smaller- these are considered secondary microplastics. Primary microplastics are intentionally manufactured, often as synthetic microbeads used as exfoliants in personal care products (ex. toothpastes, soaps, cleansers). ¾ of exfoliant beauty products contain microbeads- only 25% of which is filtered out at sewage water treatment facilities. These plastic particles have a variety effects on both humans and ecosystems- but both still need further research to fully understand the long-term effects that they might have.
As mentioned in CBC’s article, Garth Covernton a PhD in the Department of biology, found the average person consumes between 70,000-121,000 particles per year, those consuming bottled water regularly would ingest 100,000 more. Seafood is one of the sources of microplastics in our diet, as plastics accumulate as they make their way up the food chain. Foods-especially pre-packaged items, food containers, personal care, cleaning, or biomedical products, as well as drinking water are all continuous sources of microplastics in our everyday life. Scientists have recently found evidence of microplastics present in soil samples around the globe, meaning our crops are growing in it.
Rolf Halden, a professor at Arizona State, believes the presence of microplastics in the human body is worrisome as human-made objects cause inflammation, which can lower the immune system and make one susceptible to other health issues. Research has shown that the smaller the particles are, the more damage they can cause. When plastics become small enough, the tiny particles can make their way through stomach tissue and go directly into the blood stream. These microplastics make their way through our body, accumulating in organs and body tissue.
Some researchers like Canadian Environmentalist Rick Smith have conducted experiments to test how consuming packaged foods increase the number of microplastics in the body. Smith did the experiment by collecting stool samples for a period of 5 days, the first 2 continuing his regular diet and then the final 3 he exposed himself to conditions that he knew increased exposure. He ate foods packed in plastics, drank bottled water, microwaved foods in plastic containers, and even exposed himself to more fuzzy materials that let off synthetic fibers. Through the whole process microplastics were present, but the last 3 days the numbers increased exponentially.
When studying the effects of microplastics, researchers have observed a couple ways in which they are negatively affecting marine organisms. Structural toxicity occurs when plastic fragments block the gills or stomach of an organism, eventually resulting in starvation. Scientists have also observed negative effects to organisms as exposure to the chemicals in plastics disrupt the endocrine system. Plastics have chemicals like BPA or phthalates, which have toxic flame-retardant properties. Plastics are designed to be tough and durable, so the material takes thousands of years to break down. So, you can imagine how concerning accumulation of these particles in our bodies can be, as they may last a lifetime.
Scientists admit there is still a lot unknown surrounding microplastics in the human body. Research has proven plastics are present in our food, water and even the air we breathe- it makes sense that our bodies are also full of them too. With the research conducted on other organisms, we can see the negative effects they have on their bodies- it is just too early to know what the long-term effects are in humans as more research is required. As demonstrated in Smith’s studies, we must reduce exposure to plastics by choosing carefully what we are consuming and purchasing. It is essential to spread awareness on the issue of microplastics and push for more studies to be conducted, that way we understand the risks more fully and finds ways to change.
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