Microplastics Are Everywhere — And They're Now Inside Us Too

Suspense crime, Digital Desk : Microplastics and nanoplastics are tiny plastic particles that originate from the degradation of various plastic products. These fragments have become a permanent part of our surroundings and even our bodies. Scientists are carefully studying their impact on our health, as they are now found in the air, food, and water we consume.

Richard Thompson, a marine biologist who first coined the term microplastics in 2004, raised a very important point stating, “We’re exposed. It’s in the air we breathe, the water we drink, and the food we eat."  

What Are Microplastics and Where Do They Come From?  

These are smaller than 5 millimeters and can easily be found in the environment  

Nanoplastics are even smaller at under 1 micrometer and are able to access our bloodstream and organs  

Microplastics mainly stem from the degradation of larger plastic items like bags, bottles, and packaging. These particles can also occur due to:  
Building materials  
Cigarette filters and food packaging  
Rubber used for vehicles  
Agricultural plastics  

After being formed, these particles can be found in soil, air and water. Over time, nanoplastics can enter the human body.

How Microplastics Enter the Human Body  
 
We consume microplastics through:  

Breathing

Dust

Eating out of packaged/processed food containers

Drinking water from plastic bottles

Contaminated soil-grown vegetables  

We do synthetic clothing wearing, use cosmetics with plastic particles, and the list goes on. Microplastic can be found even in mundane chores such as doing laundry and dealing with food wrappers.  
 
What Are the Health Risks?  
 
Microplastics raising concerns for animal studies is correlated with red flags for:  

Studies suggest that they might lead to impaired lung and digestive functions as well as weakened immune systems.

Reproductive issues

Particles migrating to the liver and brain organs.  
 
In people, microplastics are tied to:  

In humans microplastics cause inflammation, premature births, and cardiovascular risks.  
 
Plastics usually contain harmful chemicals such as:  

PFAS, Bisphenol A (BPA), and Phthalates.

These are endocrine disruptors and potential cancer causing substances.

How to Minimize Your Exposure

While it is impossible to avoid microplastics completely, the following suggestions can help mitigate your risk:  

Drink from a heated plastic bottle less often  

Do not microwave food in plastic containers  

Use glass or stainless steel containers for storage  

When possible, consume unpackaged fresh food  

Regularly clean and vacuum using HEPA filters  

Wipe surfaces using a damp cloth  

Wear natural fiber clothing like cotton or wool  

Synthetic clothing can be prewashed, though it contributes to the plastic water pollution problem  

Why Widespread Action Is More Effective    

While every step is helpful, more action is needed at a broader systemic level, according to experts. “It shouldn’t all be on the shoulders of the consumer,” said Christy Tyler, an environmental scientist.  

Some progress includes:  

Bans on microbeads in the US and Europe  

Phasing out Styrofoam in certain US states  

Treaty in process with 170+ countries aimed to reduce global plastic pollution  

“It’s now possible to change public perception. That’s what I think is great,” said Thompson.

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