Microplastics and Human Health
- mclapham9
- Aug 29
- 3 min read
Microplastics have been found in varying amounts within many tissues and organs of the human body. There are many theories detailing the possible link between microplastics exposure and the development of inflammation, hormone disturbances, and increased risk of chronic illnesses. Understanding the effects of microplastics exposure and its possible effects on the human body are critical in assisting people in making choices to reduce their exposure to microplastics.
What are microplastics and how do they affect human health?
Microplastics are plastic particles that are less than 5 millimeters in size which is approximately the size of a small green pea. Over several decades, scientists have found an increase in the amounts of microplastics both in the environment and in humans. This increase suggests a growing environmental exposure to microplastics and the accumulation of microplastics in humans and animals (1).
Scientists and physicians have found microplastics in multiple human organs and body fluids including the brain, heart, lungs, kidneys, urine and breast milk (1,2,3). Microplastics have even been found in the first bowel movements of infants (2).
Exposure to microplastics occurs largely through eating contaminated food, drinking contaminated water and inhaling contaminated air. Microplastics can also carry chemical additives such as phthalates and bisphenols. Microplastics and these chemical additives have been linked to (1,2):
Cancer - animal and cellular studies suggest possible links to colon and lung cancer, as well as compromised tissue and organ development
Cardiovascular risks – there has been cited a 4.5-fold higher risk of heart attack, stroke, or death in humans with measurable levels of microplastics as compared to those with low or undetectable levels of microplastics
Neurological effects – medical examinations done after death indicate higher microplastics levels in brain tissue of people with dementia when compared to control samples
Reproductive health issues - microplastics have been found in the placenta and the ovaries tissues raising concerns about the health and development of fetuses and children as well as concerns about reproductive issues in women
Cellular and systemic toxicity - investigational evidence proposes microplastics may cause free radial damage, inflammation, immune system impairment, hormone disturbances, DNA damage, and alter the gut microbiome, all which could contribute to chronic diseases, metabolic dysfunction, and organ impairment
At this time, there is no universally accepted safe threshold level for microplastics exposure or levels of microplastics in the human body. Also, the long-term consequences of microplastics exposure are not yet known.
How to avoid or reduce microplastics exposure
One of the most important ways to avoid or reduce your exposure to microplastics is to institute ways to reduce your exposure to them. There are many opportunities for individuals and families to reduce their exposure to microplastics. Some of them include (6,7):
Filtering your drinking water – tap water contains fewer microplastics than bottled water; carbon filters or reverse osmosis filters are able to remove a large amount of microplastics
Avoiding plastic food storage containers and kitchenware – switch to glass, stainless steel or ceramic containers, avoid plastic utensils while cooking
Never microwave food in plastic containers and avoid storing hot food in plastic containers
Replacing plastic cutting boards with bamboo, wood or metal.
Choosing natural fiber clothing such as cotton, linen and bamboo
Limiting or eliminate processed and packaged foods; choose fresh, unpackaged foods
Utilizing reusable water bottles made of glass or stainless steel
Avoiding the use of personal care products with artificial exfoliants or microbeads which contribute to microplastics release into the environment
Unfortunately, microplastics will remain in the environment for a long time. However, by increasing individual awareness surrounding the presence of microplastics in the environment and limiting individual exposure to microplastics may help reduce the impact of microplastics on the environment and human health.
Assessed and Endorsed by the MedReport Medical Review Board
