From the Guidelines
Microplastics pose a significant risk to human health and the environment, and reducing exposure is crucial to mitigate these risks. The presence of microplastics in drinking water, food, and air has raised concerns about their potential impacts on human health, including the absorption and transport of harmful chemicals, physical damage to tissues and organs, and triggering of inflammation and immune responses 1. The environmental concerns are equally serious, as microplastics contaminate ecosystems, harm marine life, and can enter the food chain.
Key Risks and Concerns
- Microplastics can absorb and transport harmful chemicals like pesticides and industrial compounds, potentially releasing these toxins into our bodies 1
- Microplastics can cause physical damage to tissues and organs, with studies showing they may trigger inflammation and immune responses 1
- Environmental concerns are equally serious, as microplastics contaminate ecosystems, harm marine life, and can enter the food chain 1
- Preliminary evidence suggests potential links to disruption of hormone systems, reproductive issues, and other health problems 1
Reducing Exposure
To reduce exposure to microplastics, consider the following:
- Using glass or stainless steel containers instead of plastic
- Avoiding single-use plastics
- Filtering drinking water
- Choosing natural fiber clothing over synthetic materials
- Properly disposing of plastic waste to prevent environmental contamination
Current State of Research
The current state of research on microplastics is still evolving, and high-quality data are limited 1. Only a few studies have been found to be of sufficient reliability to be used confidently for an exposure assessment 1. Therefore, reducing exposure to microplastics is a precautionary measure that can help mitigate potential risks to human health and the environment.
From the Research
Risks of Microplastics to Human Health
- Microplastics have been found to be present in food, air, and water, making human exposure through ingestion, inhalation, and dermal contact possible 2, 3, 4.
- The potential health effects of microplastics exposure include toxicity through oxidative stress, inflammatory lesions, and increased uptake or translocation 4.
- Microplastics have been shown to release their constituent compounds as well as those that are adsorbed onto their surface, which can cause disruption of the endocrine, immune system, and other biological processes 3, 5.
- Animal studies have demonstrated that microplastics can distribute to various organs, including the liver, spleen, heart, lungs, thymus, reproductive organs, kidneys, and even the brain, crossing the blood-brain barrier 3.
- Human studies have found microplastics in various tissues, including lung, small intestine, large intestine, and tonsil, with the highest abundance detected in lung tissue 6.
Potential Health Risks
- Microplastics exposure has been linked to various health risks, including:
- Metabolic disturbances 4
- Neurotoxicity 4
- Increased cancer risk 4
- Carcinogenesis 3
- Disruption of the endocrine and immune systems 3, 5
- The presence of microplastics in human tissues has been found to be significantly greater in females than in males 6.
- PVC particles, which are commonly found in microplastics, may cause potential health risks due to their high polymer hazard index and maximal risk level 6.
Knowledge Gaps
- Despite the growing concern about microplastics, there is still a lack of knowledge on the major additives of concern used in the plastic industry and their fate once microplastics dispose into the environment 5.
- Further research is needed to quantify the effects of microplastics on human health and their pathogenesis 4.
- The long-term consequences of microplastics exposure are still unknown, and urgent action is needed to mitigate the devastating effects of microplastic pollution 3.