This article discusses the sources, and effects of microplastics in the human body. This topic was inspired by RFK Jr to investigate the link between microplastics and chronic diseases.
JUST IN: RFK Jr. to investigate rising chronic disease:
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– Ultra-processed food
– Electromagnetic radiation
– Childhood vaccine schedule
– Glyphosate & pesticides
– Artificial food additives
– SSRIs & antidepressants
– Microplastics & more pic.twitter.com/ksgKHuOiGM
Introduction
Microplastics, small plastic particles measuring less than 5 mm in diameter, have become a significant environmental and health concern.
Synthetic polymers first appeared in the 1860s. It was only after World War II that the large-scale production of plastics surged. This surge led to their widespread use. Initially developed to enhance human convenience, plastics are now recognized as a major contributor to global pollution.
Today, plastic waste is found in nearly every environmental compartment, including air, water, and soil. The extensive use of plastic in food packaging, like dairy products, meat, fish, and beverages, has raised concerns.
This happens because plastic-derived substances transfer into food products. Moreover, microplastics have been detected in diverse ecosystems. These range from coastal sediments and freshwater bodies to rain and snow. This underscores their persistent nature and the challenges for their removal.
Microplastics originate from the breakdown of larger plastic items and the direct release of small plastic particles into the environment. They are typically classified into primary microplastics, which are intentionally manufactured for commercial use (e.g., microbeads in cosmetics), and secondary microplastics, which result from the degradation of larger plastic materials due to environmental exposure.
These particles are insoluble and non-degradable. They have been shown to accumulate in marine and freshwater environments. This accumulation poses significant risks to aquatic organisms.
Scientific studies show that microplastics disrupt feeding and reproductive systems in aquatic species. They also serve as carriers for toxic chemicals. Ultimately, these chemicals enter the human food chain through seafood consumption.
There are rising concerns over microplastic contamination and its potential health effects. It is crucial to understand their sources, distribution, and health effects.
Ways Microplastics Enter the Human Body
1. Ingestion (Food and Water Contamination)
Microplastics are most commonly introduced into the human body through the consumption of contaminated food and beverages:
Food sources:
- Seafood and fish: Shellfish, crustaceans, and fish accumulate microplastics from polluted water.
- Salt and sugar: Table salt and processed sugar have been found to contain microplastic particles.
- Processed foods: Packaged snacks, ready-to-eat meals, and other industrially processed foods may contain microplastics due to packaging contamination.
- Fruits and vegetables: Plants can absorb microplastics from contaminated soil and irrigation water.
Water Sources
- Tap water: Contaminants from plastic pipes and water treatment processes introduce microplastics into drinking water.
- Bottled water: Plastic bottles shed microplastic particles, especially when exposed to heat or long storage durations.
Food Packaging
- Plastic containers and wraps: Heating or storing food in plastic packaging can lead to microplastic leaching.
- Canned foods: Some cans have plastic linings that degrade over time, contributing to microplastic exposure.
- Takeout and fast-food packaging: Styrofoam, plastic-coated paper, and other disposable packaging materials release microplastics into food.
2. Inhalation (Airborne Microplastics)
Microplastics are present in the air and can be inhaled, leading to respiratory exposure:
- Indoor sources: Synthetic fibers from carpets, furniture, and clothing shed microplastics that can become airborne and be inhaled.
- Outdoor sources: Landfills, industrial emissions, plastic waste incineration, and vehicle tire wear release microplastics into the air.
- Sea salt aerosols: Wind and waves transport microplastics from the ocean into coastal air, increasing airborne exposure in nearby communities.
- Workplace exposure: Factory workers in industries producing or processing synthetic fibers have shown increased microplastic inhalation. They can lead to lung diseases.
3. Dermal Absorption (Skin Contact)
Though less studied, microplastics enter the body through skin exposure:
- Cosmetic products: Many skincare products, exfoliants, and toothpaste contain microplastic particles (e.g., microbeads) that can be absorbed through the skin.
- Textiles: Synthetic clothing made from polyester and nylon can release microplastics, which may be absorbed through prolonged skin contact.
- Water exposure: Showering or bathing in contaminated water may allow microplastics to enter through the skin. This is especially true in areas with open wounds or compromised skin barriers.
Humans consume an estimated intake of 80 g per day of microplastics via plants. These include fruits and vegetables. They accumulate microplastics through uptake from polluted soil [1].
Health Effects of Microplastics on Humans
1. Digestive System Impact
Microplastics enter the body primarily through ingestion, leading to potential gastrointestinal issues:
- Physical irritation: Microplastics can cause mechanical damage to the gastrointestinal tract, leading to inflammation. The symptoms are abdominal pain, bloating, and altered bowel habits.
- Gut microbiome disruption: Ingested microplastics can alter the balance of beneficial and harmful bacteria, increasing the risk of digestive disorders.
- Toxic substance absorption: Microplastics bind to heavy metals and harmful chemicals. Examples are polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), which can be absorbed into the body. This can lead to nausea, vomiting, and systemic toxicity.
2. Respiratory System Effects
Microplastics can be inhaled from contaminated air, leading to lung inflammation and respiratory issues:
- Oxidative stress and inflammation: Inhaled microplastics cause cellular damage in lung tissues, triggering chronic inflammation, coughing, and shortness of breath.
- Potential lung disease: Studies show that nano-sized plastics can damage mitochondria in lung cells. They contribute to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and other pulmonary disorders.
- Carrier of airborne pollutants: Microplastics can transport environmental toxins like polystyrene (PS). This increases the risk of lung cell damage and respiratory complications.
3. Endocrine and Reproductive System Disruptions
Microplastics interfere with hormone production and metabolism, leading to:
- Endocrine disruption: Chemicals in microplastics, like bisphenol A (BPA), act as hormone disruptors, leading to metabolic and developmental disorders.
- Reproductive health issues: Studies suggest that microplastics may contribute to infertility, miscarriages, and congenital malformations by altering hormone regulation.
- Placental transfer: Research has detected microplastics in the placentas of pregnant women. This raises the concern about fetal exposure and potential developmental effects.
- Microplastics found in the Human Placenta, Intestines and Sputum
- Microplastics in breast milk
4. Immune System Dysregulation
Microplastics have been linked to chronic inflammation and immune system activation:
- Innate immune response activation: Microplastic exposure triggers gene and protein expression changes in immune cells, potentially leading to autoimmune reactions.
- Chronic inflammation: Animal studies have shown that long-term microplastic exposure disrupts immune homeostasis, which increase susceptibility to inflammatory diseases.
5. Neurological and Metabolic Effects
Emerging research suggests that microplastics may also impact the brain and metabolism:
- Neurotoxicity: Studies in mice show that polystyrene microplastics can accumulate in the brain, leading to cognitive dysfunction and neuronal damage.
- Oxidative stress in brain cells: Studies expose human brain and nerve cells to microplastics. They have observed increased production of reactive oxygen species (ROS).
- Lipid metabolism disturbances: Microplastic exposure has been linked to liver dysfunction, metabolic imbalances, and increased oxidative stress.
6. Potential Long-Term Health Risks
While the full extent of microplastic toxicity in humans is still being studied, preliminary evidence suggests increased risks for:
- Chronic inflammatory diseases
- Autoimmune disorders
- Neurodegenerative conditions (e.g., Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease)
- Hormonal imbalances and metabolic syndromes
The long-term accumulation of microplastics in the body could have serious public health implications. Further studies are essential to know their effects.
Reduction of human exposure can be made through improved regulations and environmental policies.
Can boiling water remove microplastics? Not so.
Boiling water does not effectively remove microplastics. While boiling can kill bacteria. It can remove some volatile organic compounds. However, it does not filter out or break down microplastics due to their heat-resistant properties.
Why Boiling Doesn’t Work:
Boiling water does not effectively remove microplastics. While boiling can kill bacteria and remove some volatile organic compounds, it does not filter out or break down microplastics due to their heat-resistant properties.
Why Boiling Doesn’t Work:
- Microplastics are heat-resistant: Most common plastics, such as polyethylene (PE) and polypropylene (PP), melt at high temperatures (above 100°C / 212°F), but boiling does not eliminate microplastics already in the water.
- No filtration effect: Boiling does not physically remove the plastic particles; instead, it may concentrate them if water evaporates, leaving behind more microplastics per unit of water.
- Possible breakdown into nanoplastics: Some studies suggest heat exposure may break microplastics into even smaller particles, making them harder to detect and potentially more harmful.
How to Minimize Microplastic Effects
Right now, there are no established medical treatments specifically designed to remove microplastics from the human body.
The good news is, the body naturally removes some microplastics through its excretory systems. Research indicates that microplastics can be processed by the liver and spleen and then excreted in feces.[6]
Certain wellness practices, like regular sauna sessions and increased hydration, have been suggested to support the body’s natural detoxification processes. However, there is no scientific evidence confirming their effectiveness in removing microplastics.
Given the lack of proven ways to remove microplastics from the body, the most effective strategy is to avoid exposure. Drink from glass or stainless steel containers to avoid further plastic leaching.
Avoid bottled water, as studies have shown bottled water has significantly more microplastics than tap water.
Reduce the use of plastic products. Avoid heating food in plastic containers.
Use water filters capable of removing microplastic particles.
How to Remove Microplastics from Water
Use a high-quality water filter:
- Activated carbon filters (like Brita) can remove some contaminants but are not very effective against microplastics.
- Reverse osmosis filters are among the best options for removing microplastics.
- Nano-filters and ultrafiltration systems can catch particles as small as 0.001 microns.
Examples are below.
- Bluevua RO100ROPOT-LITE Countertop Reverse Osmosis Water Filter System
- Big Berkey Gravity-Fed Stainless Steel Countertop Water Filter System
- Brita Hub Instant Powerful Countertop Water Filter System
- Epic water filters
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References:
- Enyoh C.E., Verla A.W., Verla E.N. Uptake of Microplastics by Plant: A Reason to Worry or to be Happy? World Sci. News. 2019;131:256–267.
[Google Scholar] - Campanale C, Massarelli C, Savino I, Locaputo V, Uricchio VF. A Detailed Review Study on Potential Effects of Microplastics and Additives of Concern on Human Health. Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2020 Feb 13;17(4):1212. doi: 10.3390/ijerph17041212. PMID: 32069998; PMCID: PMC7068600.
- Lee Y, Cho J, Sohn J, Kim C. Health Effects of Microplastic Exposures: Current Issues and Perspectives in South Korea. Yonsei Med J. 2023 May;64(5):301-308. doi: 10.3349/ymj.2023.0048. PMID: 37114632; PMCID: PMC10151227.
- Ziani K, Ioniță-Mîndrican CB, Mititelu M, Neacșu SM, Negrei C, Moroșan E, Drăgănescu D, Preda OT. Microplastics: A Real Global Threat for Environment and Food Safety: A State of the Art Review. Nutrients. 2023 Jan 25;15(3):617. doi: 10.3390/nu15030617. PMID: 36771324; PMCID: PMC9920460.
- Yee MS, Hii LW, Looi CK, Lim WM, Wong SF, Kok YY, Tan BK, Wong CY, Leong CO. Impact of Microplastics and Nanoplastics on Human Health. Nanomaterials (Basel). 2021 Feb 16;11(2):496. doi: 10.3390/nano11020496. PMID: 33669327; PMCID: PMC7920297.
- Eleonore Fröhlich. (2024) Local and systemic effects of microplastic particles through cell damage, release of chemicals and drugs, dysbiosis, and interference with the absorption of nutrients. Journal of Toxicology and Environmental Health, Part B 27:8, pages 315-344.
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