What Do Microplastics Do To My Body? | National Geographic

Summary

Microplastics are tiny plastic particles found everywhere—from the air we breathe to the food and water we consume. Despite being invisible to the naked eye, these particles are entering our bodies, causing potential harm. Research is still in its early stages, but microplastics are linked to serious health issues such as inflammation, hormone disruption, and even cancer. While it's impossible to avoid them entirely, reducing exposure by choosing natural materials and avoiding plastic containers is a step in the right direction. Meanwhile, scientists are developing solutions to remove and biodegrade plastic, offering hope for the future.

Takeaways

• 😀 Microplastics are tiny plastic particles less than 5mm in size and are now found almost everywhere—on land, in the ocean, and even on Mount Everest.
• 😀 Nanoplastics are even smaller, measuring less than one micron, and can enter the body through breathing, eating, and even through skin absorption.
• 😀 Everyday actions, like driving, washing synthetic clothing, and using cosmetic products, contribute to the spread of microplastics in the environment.
• 😀 It is estimated that the average person consumes up to 5 grams of plastic every week, which is the equivalent of eating a credit card.
• 😀 Microplastics have been found in human organs such as the brain, liver, kidneys, lungs, and even in breast milk, raising concerns about potential health risks.
• 😀 Current research is still in its early stages, and we don’t fully understand the long-term health impacts of microplastics, though early findings suggest links to diseases like cancer, stroke, and immune system issues.
• 😀 Chemicals used to create plastic, like BPA, can act as endocrine disruptors, interfering with the body’s hormones and leading to various health problems.
• 😀 Microplastics are not only consumed through food and drink but also inhaled through the air and absorbed through the skin, making them a pervasive threat to health.
• 😀 Reducing exposure to microplastics involves simple lifestyle changes, such as choosing natural fabrics, avoiding plastic containers in the microwave, and opting for glass or metal alternatives.
• 😀 While individual actions can help reduce exposure, systemic changes—such as reducing plastic production and improving waste management—are essential to solving the global microplastic crisis.
• 😀 Innovative solutions, including fungi that biodegrade polypropylene and bacteria that break down polyurethanes, offer hope for tackling plastic pollution in the future.

Q & A

What are microplastics, and how small are they?

Microplastics are pieces of plastic that measure less than 5mm in size. To put it into perspective, this is about the size of a pencil eraser. Nanoplastics are even smaller, measuring less than one micron, which is 1/8 the size of a red blood cell.

Where can microplastics be found?

Microplastics are found everywhere—from the highest peak, Mount Everest, to the deepest parts of the oceans. They are also present in the air, food, water, and even inside our bodies.

How are microplastics created?

Microplastics are created through everyday activities such as driving (from car tires), wearing synthetic fabrics (like polyester), and washing cosmetic products. Even items like plastic water bottles release microplastics when heated or opened and closed.

How do microplastics enter our bodies?

Microplastics enter our bodies through ingestion (food and water), inhalation (airborne particles), and absorption through our skin (via sweat glands, hair follicles, or open wounds).

What are the health risks associated with microplastics?

Research suggests that microplastics may be linked to various health issues, such as inflammatory bowel disease, complications from strokes and heart attacks, immune system damage, inhibited lung growth, and even cancer.

What chemicals are involved in plastic production that could affect our health?

Plastics are made using chemicals like BPA and phthalates, which are known endocrine disruptors. These chemicals can interfere with hormone regulation in our bodies, potentially leading to health issues like cancer and other long-term conditions.

How much plastic might the average person consume each week?

On average, a person might consume up to 5 grams of plastic every week. This is equivalent to the weight of a credit card.

What can we do to reduce our exposure to microplastics?

To reduce exposure, you can adopt an 'avoid the avoidable' mentality, such as wearing natural fabrics (like cotton and linen), using glass and metal instead of plastic, and not heating food in plastic containers.

Is it possible to eliminate microplastics from our environment completely?

No, microplastics are here to stay. However, scientists are working on innovative solutions, such as biodegradable plastics and non-toxic solvents to remove microplastics from the environment.

Are there any breakthroughs in combating microplastics?

Yes, scientists have discovered fungi that can biodegrade polypropylene (a common plastic) and bacteria that can self-destruct plastic products when exposed to compost. Additionally, new solvents are being developed to remove nanoplastics from water.