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Microplastics have permeated every corner of our environment — from oceans and air to our food and water. They have even been detected in various body tissues, including the heart, liver, kidneys, and testicles. The pressing question remains: Are these tiny particles harming us?
What Are Microplastics?
Microplastics are minuscule plastic particles, ranging from the size of a pencil eraser to a fraction of a human hair’s width. Derived from the breakdown of larger plastics due to heat, weather, and animal digestion, these particles have been found in air, water, soil, and a variety of foods, such as salt, sugar, honey, rice, and seafood. Even smaller are nanoplastics, which are also under scrutiny by researchers.
Are Microplastics in You?
Most likely, yes. While the exact amount people inhale and ingest varies based on diet and location, studies have consistently found microplastics in body tissues. An Australian study for the World Wildlife Fund in 2019 suggested that people consume approximately 5 grams of plastic weekly, roughly the weight of a credit card. This estimate, though debated, is frequently cited in discussions about microplastic exposure.
Will Microplastics Hurt You?
The health impact of microplastics is still unclear. A 2022 World Health Organization report found no definitive evidence of harm to human health from microplastics. Moreover, mortality rates from major health issues like cancer, heart disease, and stroke have not shown an uptick attributable to these particles. However, research is ongoing, with some studies indicating potential risks.
Dr. Marya Zlatnik, an obstetrician in San Francisco, highlights concerns about microplastics’ impact on health, particularly in babies and adults. Yet, she admits the field is still young and not a regular topic of discussion with patients.
Tracey Woodruff, a researcher at the University of California, San Francisco, notes that microplastics have been found in nearly all body tissues studied, including reproductive organs and placentas. Though conclusive evidence is lacking, some researchers suggest that microplastics could contribute to rising cancer rates in younger populations and increase the risk of heart attacks and strokes through inflammation and other harmful bodily changes.
A recent small study in the New England Journal of Medicine hinted at a link between plastics in arteries and higher death risks from heart attacks and strokes, but its findings are debated among experts.
Dr. Philip Landrigan of Boston College finds the available information on microplastics concerning, despite the many unknowns about their effects on human health.
What Can You Do About Microplastics?
While eliminating exposure entirely is impossible, there are steps you can take to reduce it:
- Remove your shoes before entering your home to avoid tracking in microplastics-laden dust.
- Consume home-prepared foods, especially fresh fruits and vegetables.
- Avoid microwaving food in plastic containers.
- Use reusable stainless steel or glass water bottles instead of disposable plastic ones.
Dr. Zlatnik acknowledges that these recommendations may be impractical for families struggling with basic needs. For those facing food insecurity, advice like using glass containers for leftovers may not be feasible.
As research continues to unfold, staying informed and taking practical steps can help mitigate potential risks associated with microplastics in our environment and bodies.
