What Are Microplastics? How They Affect Your Health & How to Reduce Exposure
What are Microplastics?
Microplastics are tiny pieces of plastic, often smaller than the size of a grain of rice, that come from larger plastic items breaking down over time. These tiny plastic pieces are everywhere – in our oceans, rivers, air, and even in the food we eat. Microplastics are so small you usually can’t see them with the naked eye, but scientists have discovered that they are everywhere.
Are Microplastics Harmful to You?
Microplastics are a relatively new problem, and scientists are still learning about how they might affect human health. Dr. Sherri Mason, a researcher from the State University of New York, who has studied microplastics extensively, explains, “We don’t have enough information yet to definitively say how microplastics harm humans, but we know that they can enter our bodies through the air, food, and water. There’s concern that over time, these particles could lead to health issues like inflammation or even carry harmful chemicals into our bodies.”
A 2019 study published in Science Advances estimated that humans could ingest thousands of microplastic particles each year through food, water, and air. The study found that microplastics were detected in a wide range of food items, including seafood, honey, sugar, and salt (source: Science Advances – here’s the link).
While more research is needed, scientists believe that microplastics could potentially cause harm in the future, especially if they carry toxic chemicals or bacteria into the body. These particles are so tiny that they could end up in organs or tissues, which may lead to long-term health effects that we still don’t fully understand.
Can You Remove Microplastics from Your Body?
At this time, there is no easy way to remove microplastics from the body once they have entered. Dr. Rainer Lohmann, an environmental scientist at the University of Rhode Island, said in an interview with National Geographic: “Once these particles are in the body, there’s no clear way to get rid of them. Our bodies don’t have a mechanism to naturally filter out plastics the way we do with other substances like toxins or waste.”
Although the research is still in its early stages, some studies have suggested that microplastics might get excreted through waste (like urine or feces) over time. However, experts warn that this is not a guaranteed process, and many microplastics may stay in the body for long periods.
What Foods Have Microplastics?
Microplastics have been found in a wide variety of foods. Some of the most common sources include:
- Seafood: Fish and shellfish can ingest microplastics, and when we eat them, we may also ingest those tiny plastic particles. A 2018 study published in Environmental Science and Technology found that 1 in 4 fish sold in the UK contained plastic particles (source: Environmental Science and Technology – here’s the link).
- Sea Salt: A 2017 study found microplastics in sea salt samples from around the world, including in countries like China, France, and the United States (source: Environmental Science and Technology – here’s the link).
- Bottled Water: A 2018 study by Orb Media found that 93% of bottled water tested around the world contained microplastics, with some bottles showing as many as 325 plastic particles per liter (source: Orb Media – here’s the link).
Microplastics can even be found in other foods like honey, sugar, and even beer, though the amount is usually very small. Over time, these tiny plastics can accumulate in the human body.
What is the Biggest Source of Microplastics?
The largest source of microplastics comes from plastic waste, which breaks down into smaller pieces over time. The Ocean Conservancy, an environmental nonprofit, reports that plastics make up 60-80% of marine debris, and much of it eventually breaks down into microplastics. The most common sources of microplastics are:
- Plastic packaging: Packaging materials like bags, bottles, and wrappers break apart and contribute to microplastic pollution.
- Synthetic clothing: Fabrics like polyester, nylon, and acrylic shed small fibers when washed. These fibers are a significant source of microplastics in the environment (source: National Geographic – here’s the link).
- Tires: When we drive, tiny bits of rubber from car tires wear off and wash into storm drains, eventually ending up in waterways as microplastics (source: Science News – here’s the link).
What Can You Do to Minimize Microplastic Exposure?
While we can’t entirely avoid microplastics, there are things you can do to reduce your exposure:
- Use less plastic: Choose reusable shopping bags, bottles, and containers instead of single-use plastic. This reduces plastic waste, which can eventually break down into microplastics.
- Buy fewer synthetic fabrics: Clothing made from natural fibers like cotton, wool, or silk tends to shed fewer microplastics when washed. Avoid buying clothes made from materials like polyester, nylon, or acrylic when you can.
- Choose fresh or unpackaged food: Whenever possible, buy fresh fruits, vegetables, and grains instead of packaged foods. This reduces your exposure to microplastics from plastic wrappers and containers.
- Avoid bottled water: Drink tap water instead, or use a filter that can remove microplastics from water. Studies show that bottled water often contains more microplastics than tap water (source: Orb Media – here’s the link).
- Reduce plastic pollution: Participate in local cleanup efforts or simply pick up plastic litter when you see it, especially near rivers, lakes, or the ocean, to help prevent microplastics from entering the environment.
By making these small changes in our daily lives, we can help reduce the amount of plastic that breaks down into microplastics, keeping ourselves and the planet a little safer.
This feature is based on expert advice and studies from sources like Science Advances, Environmental Science and Technology, National Geographic, and Orb Media.