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How much plastic do we ingest every day? Quite a lot, if recent research is to be believed. According to the World Economic Forum, microplastics in the human body is today one of the most concerning health crises arising from environmental pollution. What, then, are microplastics, and how do they get into our bodies?
What are Microplastics?
Microplastics (MPs) are tiny plastic particles – could be microscopic or larger (less than 5mm) – that, over the last several years, have been increasingly detected in the human body. These are found in blood, physiological waste, limb joints, arterial plaque, as well as vital organs such as the brain, lungs, and liver, among others. They comprise anything from tiny plastic beads, synthetic clothing fibers, to plastic particles generated from breaking down and reprocessing larger plastic articles like tires, furniture, plastic bottles, boxes, or bags.
Widespread in the environment
Microplastics are widespread in the environment. They are in the air we breathe, the food we eat, the water we drink, and the soil that grows our produce. So, how much of it do we consume regularly? A 2019 study by the American Chemical Society, which evaluated the caloric intakes of about 15% of the American population, estimated that “annual microplastics consumption ranges from 39000 to 52000 particles, depending on age and sex. These estimates increase to 74000 and 121000 when inhalation is considered.” These are underestimates and do not include ingestion of microparticles from bottled water. Now, that is another story.
Bottled water – the biggest culprit
Many in the United States prefer to drink bottled water, considering it to be a much safer, cleaner option, largely free of impurities compared to other sources of certified and purified potable water. As this survey on why people buy bottled water shows, the top two reasons for choosing bottled water were convenience and taste.
However, the findings from a related study on microplastics in bottled water are astounding. The study, conducted by the State University of New York, analyzed 259 samples of bottled water from 11 top brands from nine countries and found microplastics in 93% of them. The plastics discovered in them were nylon, polypropylene, and polyethylene terephthalate. Every liter of water sold had an average of 325 plastic particles.
In our seafood
In the U.S. West Coast, microplastics are pervasive in the seafood sourced here and found in 99% of the seafood tested from various ocean sources. Researchers in Oregon tested 182 different seafood species and found microplastics, including microfibers shed from laundry, from personal care products, and tire particles from tire degradation in the seafood tested. Across the US, microplastics are found in all of our nation’s waterways. Other studies have found particles in 12% of freshwater fish available for consumption.
Ditch that tea bag
Do you drink tea from a teabag? Beware! It may be time to ditch that tea bag. Teas brewed from tea bags may often contain plastic that seeps into them. A cup of tea from a tea bag made with plastic fibers could contain about 2.3 million micro-sized plastics. Other forms of packaged foods at groceries and convenience stores also pose a big hazard.
A huge health hazard
What are the potential health concerns of microplastics in the human body? Needless to say, microplastics pose a huge risk to the human body. They have been known to cause:
- Inflammation and immune system issues
- Gastrointestinal issues by impacting the gut microbiome
- Cardiovascular issues like increased risk of heart attack, stroke, and chronic diseases like hypertension and diabetes.
- Respiratory issues by lodging in the lungs when inhaled
- Reproductive health issues by impacting fertility and development
- Neurological concerns and cognitive issues.
- Cancer – there are suggested links to some cancers, though more research is needed.
What the State of California is doing
In 2022, California became the first state to sign the anti-plastic pollution law called the Plastic Pollution Prevention and Packaging Producer Responsibility Act (SB 54). By 2032, the law mandates that producers and sellers of goods:
- Sell 25% less single-use plastic packaging and foodware in the state
- Make all single-use packaging and plastic foodware recyclable or compostable.
- Recycle 65% of single-use plastic packaging and foodware.
The law also mandates the establishment of a fund to raise $5 billion from industry members to be used by the state to address plastic pollution, particularly in communities most affected.
How can you reduce exposure to microplastics?
Here are some ways to reduce exposure to microplastics
- Reduce plastic use, especially of single-use plastics, including bottled water, disposable tea, coffee, and soda containers, and maybe even carry your mug to the cafe.
- Switch to glass or metal containers, especially for hot food.
- Do not microwave food in plastic.
- For clothing, choose natural fabrics like cotton, wool, and linen over synthetics like polyester or nylon.
- Choose fresh, minimally processed foods.
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