From the Guidelines
Microplastics have concerning effects on human health even at levels currently considered "safe," and it is essential to minimize exposure to these particles. The presence of microplastics in the environment, including in drinking water, has raised concerns about their potential impact on human health 1. These tiny plastic particles (less than 5mm) can accumulate in our bodies through food, water, and air, potentially causing inflammation, oxidative stress, and disruption of cellular functions. While no official "healthy level" of microplastic exposure exists, research suggests that even low concentrations can lead to problems including immune system dysfunction, hormonal imbalances, and potential damage to organs like the liver and lungs. Some key points to consider about microplastics include:
- Microplastics can act as carriers for harmful chemicals and pathogens 1
- The ingestion of microplastics by organisms can lead to various adverse effects, including physical blockages, the absorption of toxins by the organism’s body, and the possible bio-magnification of these toxins through the food chain 1
- Microplastics are now ubiquitous in our environment, with the average person potentially ingesting thousands of particles weekly, making minimizing exposure a prudent health measure until more definitive safety standards are established To reduce exposure, some measures can be taken, including:
- Using glass or stainless steel containers instead of plastic
- Filtering drinking water
- Avoiding single-use plastics
- Choosing natural fiber clothing
- Minimizing consumption of processed foods in plastic packaging It is crucial to prioritize minimizing exposure to microplastics, given the potential risks to human health and the lack of definitive safety standards 1.
From the Research
Effects of Microplastics on Human Health
- Microplastics have been found to be present in human-derived biological samples, such as excrement, biofluids, and tissues 2.
- The potential health risks of microplastics include energy homeostasis, intestinal microflora, and the reproductive, immune, and nervous systems 2.
- Microplastics can also act as a carrier for other contaminants, such as plasticizers, metals, antibiotics, and microorganisms, which can magnify their toxicity 2, 3.
- Exposure to microplastics can occur through ingestion, inhalation, and dermal contact, and can cause particle toxicity, oxidative stress, inflammatory lesions, and increased uptake or translocation 3.
- The inability of the immune system to remove synthetic particles can lead to chronic inflammation and increase the risk of neoplasia 3.
Microplastic Exposure Routes
- Microplastics can enter the human body through respiration, posing a hazard to human health 4.
- Wearing masks, such as surgical masks, can increase the abundance of microplastics in nasal lavage fluid 4.
- The use of bedding containing synthetic fibers can decrease the abundance of microplastics in nasal lavage fluid 4.
- Microplastics can also enter the human body through the digestive tract via consumption of contaminated food and water, or penetration through the skin via cosmetics and clothes contact 5.
Health Risks Associated with Microplastics
- Bioaccumulation of plastics in the human body can potentially lead to a range of health issues, including respiratory disorders, neurological symptoms, inflammatory bowel disease, and disturbances in gut microbiota 5.
- Microplastics can induce apoptosis in cells and have genotoxic and cytotoxic effects 5.
- Understanding the cellular and molecular mechanisms of plastics' actions may help extrapolate the risks to humans 5.