Microplastics, as their name suggests, are minuscule plastic particles, officially defined as plastics with a diameter of less than five millimeters (0.2 inches), smaller than the standard pearl used in jewelry.
What are the Categories of Microplastic?
It can be categorized as follows:
- Primary microplastics encompass tiny particles intentionally manufactured for commercial purposes like those found in cosmetics, as well as microfibers shed from textiles such as clothing and fishing nets.
- Secondary microplastics, on the other hand, result from the fragmentation of larger plastic items like water bottles due to environmental factors, primarily exposure to the sun’s radiation and ocean waves.
Why are Microplastics a Problem?
Due to their small size, these particles easily disperse through the air and accumulate in the environment, making detection challenging. They are found in alcoholic beverages, drinking water (bottled water having more than tap water), and even table salt. Filter feeders like mussels and oysters ingest suspended microplastics in seawater, and they are present in various seafood species. Furthermore, microplastics have been intentionally added to exfoliating products, toothpaste, and cosmetics.
In 2015, the U.S. Congress passed the Microbead-Free Waters Act, banning rinse-off cosmetics (including toothpaste, cleansers, and exfoliants) containing microplastics. This is a significant step because human exposure primarily occurs through various plastic products, decomposing plastics, textiles, and personal hygiene items, as well as paint fragments released into the environment due to abrasion. These exposures can occur through ingestion, direct contact, and inhalation.
Also Read: What are Eco-Friendly Products?
What are the Effects of Microplastics on the Human Body?
According to a study published in the National Library of Medicine, these are the effects on the human body:
1. Digestive System:
- Ingested microplastics can irritate the digestive tract, leading to inflammation and symptoms like abdominal pain and bloating.
- These particles may disrupt the balance of beneficial and harmful bacteria in the gut, causing digestive issues and changes in bowel habits.
- Chemical toxins from microplastics can be absorbed through the digestive system, causing symptoms like nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain.
2. Respiratory System:
- Inhaled microplastics can cause oxidative stress in the airways and lungs, leading to respiratory symptoms such as coughing, sneezing, and shortness of breath.
- Oxidative stress can also result in fatigue and dizziness due to reduced blood oxygen levels.
- Nano-sized plastics can damage respiratory cells and increase the risk of lung diseases like chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
3. Endocrine System:
- They interfere with hormone production, transport, and elimination, potentially causing endocrine disruptions.
- Endocrine disorders, metabolic issues, developmental problems, and reproductive disorders (including infertility and congenital malformations) can result from such disruptions.
- These particles can carry environmental toxins like bisphenol A, further impacting the endocrine and reproductive systems.
4. Immune System:
- Accumulated exposure to microplastics can induce chronic inflammation and affect immune system balance.
- In vitro experiments show that these particles can increase the expression of inflammatory substances in human cells.
- Microplastics can also lead to oxidative stress in various cell types and dysbiosis in the gut microbiota.
Overall, microplastics can harm health by causing inflammation, oxidative stress, disturbances in lipid metabolism, gut microbiota imbalances, and neurotoxicity. Further research is needed to fully understand their impact on the human body.
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