The Truth About Microplastics in the Human Body
- Vesna
- Jul 29
- 2 min read
From the food we eat to the air we breathe, our society has become reliant on modern innovations and this has led to plastic being a permanent guest in our homes, and consequently, our bodies.
Microplastics are tiny plastic particles, typically less than 5 millimeters in size, that result from the breakdown of larger plastic products or are manufactured intentionally, such as microbeads in cosmetics. Because they are so small, they can travel through water, air, and even our food chain unnoticed.
Products we use everyday like synthetic clothing, bags, and bottles all shed particles over time. When disposed of properly, they end up in waste treatment facilities or other dumps where they can be handled officially. However, when they are disposed improperly, weathering, erosion, and ocean currents can cause microplastics to spread into soil and bodies of water. Microplastics have been detected all over the world, including places like the Arctic that people do not frequent, and this implies that wind and currents can take these particles far.
These microplastics are often ingested when people eat contaminated food, drink contaminated water, or even use personal care products that might have these miniscule particles. Scientists have discovered microplastics in seafood, table salt, bottled water, and even tap water. These microplastics have been reported to be found in numerous body organs and tissues, including the brain, liver, kidneys, and other reproductive organs. They have also been found in human blood, heart tissue, and lung tissue. Studies have even shown that they can cross the placenta and possibly affect developing fetuses.
The full impact of how microplastics can affect human health is yet to be uncovered, yet scientists are certain that the chemicals found in them, such as BPA and phthalates can disrupt hormone cycles, damage cells, and even induce the body to inflame. Also, the evidence that the microplastics can accumulate in vital organs raises further doubts about long term consequences. One example is the accumulation in the placenta; since the placenta provides nutrients for a developing embryo, there could be a possibility for the crossing of plastic chemicals as well.
While it can be hard to completely avoid plastics in today’s day and age, some steps can be taken to not only reduce exposure, but to also help the environment while you’re at it! One huge example is using reusable glass ware and stainless steel instead of one time use plastics. Another possible way is to choose wool or cotton clothing over synthetic fibers to minimize contact with plastic particles. Finally, choosing to drink filtered tap water over bottled water can help not only minimize plastic contact but also save the environment by not using single use plastics.
As you can probably tell by the steps to reducing exposure, microplastics are not just a personal health problem, but it is also an environmental crisis. They not only increase pollution in the atmosphere, but can also affect marine life and also trickle into the ecosystem. Tackling this issue requires not only a collective effort, but also, hopefully, regulations from a state, federal, and international level.
If you have any questions, please drop them for me in the forum! Linked below are the sources I used.
Sources:
https://www.bbc.com/future/article/20250723-how-do-the-microplastics-in-our-bodies-affect-our-health
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