Tiny plastic particles are present all over the globe, from the deepest point in the Mariana Trench to the summit of Mount Everest. With a growing number of studies, it is becoming evident that microplastics, which are defined as plastic pieces measuring less than 5 millimeters, have infiltrated our bodies.
Maria Westerbos, the creator of the Plastic Soup Foundation, which strives to diminish plastic wastage globally, has declared that this is the most extensive oil overflow in history. All plastics are constructed with fossil fuels, and Westerbos continues on to say that microplastics are "ubiquitous", even within humans.
In recent times, microplastic particles have been identified in a variety of human tissues, such as the lung, placenta, breast milk and blood. Last year, a study conducted by Heather Leslie of Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam and her colleagues, and published in Environment International , discovered microplastics in the blood of 17 out of 22 healthy adult volunteers from the Netherlands. This result confirms what many scientists had previously assumed - that these tiny plastic particles can be absorbed into the human circulation.
According to Leslie, it was initially assumed that plastic particles would be able to be absorbed and detected in humans' bloodstreams, but now it is known that it is indeed the case.
Blood Contamination with Microplastics Detected
In a study conducted in the Netherlands, of the 22 healthy adult participants, 17 had microplastic particles in their blood samples. The type of polymer and the concentrations varied among the group, with Donors 11, 12 and 13 having microplastics in both samples. For the majority of the group, one sample contained microplastics while the other did not.
Analysis of microplastic levels in human blood specimens
T. Tibbitts is the name of the individual.According to H. Leslie and colleagues in their 2022 edition of Environment International,
The discoveries were not unforeseen; plastic is a ubiquitous presence in our lives. It is inexpensive to produce, durable, and has many practical applications from apparel, to makeup, to electronic devices, and even tires. Additionally, the number of plastic materials available has been steadily rising; "ten years ago there were about 3,000 [plastic materials], but now that number has risen to 9,600", Leslie noted. This is a massive amount, each with its own chemical structure and potential toxicity.
Plastics are usually quite durable, but they do still suffer from wear and tear. For instance, when exposed to water, wind, sunlight, or heat, the materials can start to break down. In the case of car tires, the friction caused by movement and braking can cause tiny plastic particles to be released on the road.
Toxicologist Dick Vethaak of Utrecht University in the Netherlands, who worked with Leslie on the research that identified microplastics present in human blood, remarked that the prevalence of micro- and nanoplastics is increasing as bigger plastic objects degrade into smaller particles. He added, "The large plastic objects in the environment will break down into micro- and nanoplastics, constantly raising particle numbers."
It was almost two decades ago that marine biologists first brought attention to the buildup of microplastics in the ocean and the possibility of them impacting the health of both organisms and ecosystem. However, only in the past few years have researchers started to concentrate on microplastics in the food and drinking water of humans, as well as in indoor air.
Cosmetics like lipstick, lip gloss, and eye makeup contain plastic particulates which are added for a better texture and finish. Similarly, personal care products such as face scrubs, toothpastes, and shower gels contain microplastics which offer cleansing and exfoliating properties. However, when washed off, these particles enter the sewage system, potentially ending up in sewage sludge used for agricultural purposes, or even in treated water that is released into waterways.
It is uncertain how much harm microplastics can produce when they are ingested, however, an increasing number of scientists that research this issue suspect that it could be a cause for worry. Inhalation of these particles may create discomfort and injury to the lungs, which is comparable to the damage brought about by other particulate matter. Also, since the particles of plastic are composed of diverse elements, some of them have been found to disturb the hormones in the body.
At present, we lack a thorough comprehension of how the human body deals with these particles.
What is the mechanism by which microplastics enter our systems?
It appears that two primary ways exist for substances to enter the human body: ingestion and inhalation.
Results are indicating that the ingredients we consume, such as food and water, have become contaminated with microplastics. A 2020 study conducted in Italy revealed microplastic particles in common fruits and vegetables. Laboratory analysis has revealed that wheat and lettuce plants absorb microplastic pieces when grown in soil with these particles. This is likely the underlying cause of the microplastics present in our food supplies.
A study conducted at a wastewater treatment plant in the southwest of England discovered that if all the treated sludge were used as fertilizer, an amount of microplastic particles equivalent to that found in more than 20,000 plastic credit cards could be dispersed into the environment each month. Not only do personal care products contribute to this problem, but washing machines do as well.
Sophie Vonk, a researcher at the Plastic Soup Foundation, explains that fertilizers are sheathed in plastic for a regulated release, plastic mulch film is employed as a defensive barrier for vegetation, and water containing microplastics is utilized for irrigation.
Vonk states that agricultural fields in Europe and North America likely get more microplastics than the world's oceans.
The presence of microplastics in daily groceries
In Catania, Italy, the quantity of microplastic particles in fruits and vegetables acquired from local stores was found to be quite varied. This research underscores the need for further exploration into the origins of microplastic pollution.Produce samples containing microplastic particles have been identified
An image of T. Tibbitts is displayed. This individual is known for their research on microplastics.The Plastic Soup Foundation conducted a pilot study that revealed the presence of microplastics in all of the blood samples taken from cows and pigs on Dutch farms. In addition, the same study found that three quarters of the beef and pork samples collected from farms and supermarkets contained microplastics. Moreover, other studies have shown that microplastic particles are present in fish muscle, not just in the gut, and can be consumed when people eat seafood.
Microplastics have been found in both tap and bottled drinking water, which could have entered from the source, during treatment and distribution, or from the packaging of bottled water.
The quantity of microplastic particles ingested by humans is hard to pinpoint due to the varying results of studies. Estimates, however, indicate that people may be consuming as much as tens of thousands every year. These figures may be altered as more data is gathered, and also depend on an individual's diet and location. It is still uncertain how these particles are absorbed, processed and eliminated by the body, or how long they could last if not removed right away.
Infants may have a higher degree of microplastic exposure than adults. A study of sixteen participants, six of whom were infants, found that the infants had a greater amount of microplastic particles in their feces than the adults did. It has been suggested that microplastics can travel through the placenta to the fetus and can also be ingested through breast milk. Additionally, plastic feeding bottles and teething toys can add to infants' microplastics exposure.
Research conducted in Paris to document levels of microplastic particles in indoor air revealed a range between three and fifteen per cubic meter. Outdoor concentrations of these miniscule particles were drastically lower.
In 2018, a study investigated the microplastics present within mussels taken from Scotland's coasts, finding that the quantity of airborne microplastic fibers during a meal was greater than the amount of microplastics from the mussels. This implies that airborne particles may be more of a concern than those found in food.
According to Nienke Vrisekoop, an immunologist from the University Medical Center Utrecht, if a fish is left out on a table for an hour, it will most likely accumulate more microplastics from the air than from the sea.
Where in the atmosphere?
The levels of micro and nano plastics in the atmosphere could be distinct depending on the location. Researchers are aiming to investigate various contexts in order to develop a better insight into human contact and the potential risks; including traffic lights, indoor sports arenas, manufacturing plants for fabrics, and family rooms.
In the words of T. Tibbitts, credit must be paid to the individuals who make the effort.
A 2019 study focusing on human lung tissue revealed that inhalation of plastic particles is ubiquitous. The research conducted in England indicated that microplastics were present in 11 out of 13 samples from upper, middle, and lower lobes.
It appears that microplastics are unable to get through the skin. Leslie states that the epidermis has the capability to keep out agents from the external environment, including small particles. He adds that these particles can reach deep into the skin, however, they do not pass the barrier unless the skin is already compromised in some way.
What is the potential impact on health that we are aware of?
Mice studies demonstrate that microplastics are not harmless. Research conducted on these animals suggests that laboratory exposure to these materials can interfere with the gut microbiome, cause inflammation, decrease sperm quality and testosterone levels, and hinder learning and memory.
Although some of these studies had results that may not be applicable in real-world settings, research into the health effects of exposure on humans is still in the early stages. Therefore, it could take quite a while before scientists come to a conclusion about the actual effect on humans.
Barbro Melgert, an immunologist at the University of Groningen in the Netherlands, conducted research on the effects of nylon microfibers on human tissue designed to mimic lungs. The results showed that the presence of the fibers reduced the size and amount of airways by 67% and 50%, respectively. Melgert suggested that “it is not the microfibers themselves which are causing the damage, but rather the chemicals being released from them.”
She points out that microplastics should be viewed in a similar light to air pollution, as both tend to trigger a stress response in the lungs.
Vrisekoop is conducting research on the way the human body's immune system responds to microplastics. Unpublished experiments point to the fact that immune cells are unable to identify microplastic particles on their own without other substances such as blood proteins, viruses, bacteria, or other contaminants being attached to them. However, it is plausible that these elements will stick to the microplastics while they are in the environment or inside the body.
According to Vrisekoop, if the microplastics are not clean, the immune cells will take in the particle and be more prone to dying. Consequently, more immune cells will rush in, which initiates an immune response to the particle. This could lead to a strong inflammatory reaction or possibly exacerbate pre-existing inflammatory diseases in the lungs or gastrointestinal tract.
A study from last year observed microplastic particles in the majority of the human lung tissue samples tested (examples seen). The plastics were spread out across the lungs, implying that inhalation is a possible way for the particles to enter the body.L.C. JENNER ET AL / SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2022The use of certain chemicals in plastic can be detrimental to human health. For instance, Bisphenol A, or BPA, which is used to harden plastic, is known to be an endocrine disruptor and has been linked to developmental issues in children, as well as issues with the reproductive and metabolic systems in adults. Phthalates, which are used to make plastic pliable, can bring about adverse effects on fetal development, reproductive issues in adults, insulin resistance, and obesity. Flame retardants, which are used to make electronics less combustible, are connected to endocrine, reproductive, and behavioral problems.
According to Leslie, many of the chemical products she used to work with have been eliminated or prohibited from being used in new products in the European Union and the United States due to their neurotoxic or disrupting effects, such as the polybrominated diphenyl ethers utilized as flame retardants.
What queries remain unresolved?
An important part of evaluating the danger of microplastics to human health is to gain an improved understanding and evaluation of human exposure. To this end, Polyrisk, a large-scale research project that is part of CUSP, a collective of researchers and professionals from 75 organizations across Europe studying microplastics and nanoplastics, is leading the way. Link to Polyrisk and Link to CUSP.
Raymond Pieters, a specialist in immunotoxicity at the Institute for Risk Assessment Sciences at Utrecht University and leader of Polyrisk, is researching inhalation exposure in several real-life settings. These include a traffic light, which may involve cars stopping, a highway with constant traffic, an indoor sports stadium and occupational settings like the textile and rubber industry.
Melgert is curious to find out the quantity of microplastic existing in our homes, the size of the particles, and the amount we inhale. "Very few studies have looked into the indoor levels of microplastics," she remarks. "We have a lot of stuff in our houses -- carpets, plastic-based insulation, drapes, garments -- that all emit fibers."
MOMENTUM, a 27-partner consortium from the Netherlands and seven other countries to investigate the potential impacts of microplastics on human health, is coordinated by Vethaak. He emphasizes that "any measurement of the degree of exposure to plastic particles is likely an underestimation." Furthermore, the collaboration is looking at nanoplastics, which is difficult due to the analytical tools and techniques needed for this being in the process of being established. Vethaak remarks that "The analytical tools and techniques required for this are still being developed."
Vethaak is attempting to discover if bacteria and viruses which are coated on microplastic particles found in the environment could propagate these pathogens and result in higher infection rates among humans. Research has indicated that microplastics in the ocean can be a secure dwelling for germs.
In addition to learning people's exposure to microplastics, scientists also want to know if a certain level of real-world exposure may be damaging. Leslie remarks, "This research is hindered by the numerous diverse types of plastic particles, taking into consideration their size, form, and chemical makeup, all of which can influence absorption and toxicity." She goes on to say, "In the case of microplastics, it will likely take a few more years to figure out what the toxicity threshold is."
In several countries, the use of microbeads has been restricted in certain products, such as cosmetics and toothpaste. Nevertheless, no universal regulations or policies are in place globally to address the release or concentration of other microplastics. California has recently taken the first step to monitor this by approving the first measures that test for microplastics in drinking water sources. The testing process is expected to take place in the upcoming years.
Pieters has a practical point of view on the matter: "We have the facts of 'a' and 'b,'" he says. "Therefore, we can anticipate 'c,' which could bring about a potential threat to human health."
His impulse is to search for methods of guarding people even if there is limited or uncertain scientific evidence. "Why not stand up for the precautionary principle?" he inquires.
Those who wish to emulate Pieters' example can find means of decreasing their exposure.
Melgert suggests that proper ventilation, such as throwing open your windows, is essential, as well as regular vacuuming and air purification. This serves to rid the air of microplastics which are commonly found in dust.
Consumers have the option of avoiding cosmetics and personal care items with microbeads. Choosing garments made of natural fabrics such as cotton, linen, or hemp, versus synthetic fabrics like acrylic and polyester, lessens the amount of microplastics released while wearing and during laundering.
Devices created to reduce the number of microfibers that enter waterways, such as laundry balls, bags and washing machine filters, are specifically designed for the removal of microplastics.
Vethaak advises against heating up plastic containers in the microwave, even if they are labeled as safe for food, and leaving plastic water bottles in direct sunlight.
One of the most effective ways to reduce plastic pollution and the amount of microplastics entering the atmosphere and water supply is to decrease the general amount of plastic that we use.
Leslie suggests considering functional substitution: "Before you make the decision to buy something, ask yourself if you really require it and if there is any other option than plastic."
Westerbos still has faith that experts and scientists from all over the world can collaborate to discover a resolution. "To replace plastic with something that is harmless and doesn't remain in the environment for as long as plastic does, we must unite our collective minds to find a solution," she expresses.
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