Microplastics in Humans: Consumption Levels and Health Effects

Microplastics are small plastic particles that have made their way into the environment, including the air, water, and food supply. Scientists have now detected them in human blood, lungs, gastrointestinal tract, and even the placenta. As research continues, there is growing concern about the possible health effects of long-term exposure.

The size, shape, and chemical composition of microplastic particles can lead to varying impacts on environmental research and human health, underlining the complexity of sorting out different harmful effects due to the diverse chemical makeup of plastics.

This article explores how microplastics enter the human body, how much we consume, and the potential health risks potential hazards they pose. Understanding these factors is essential for taking steps to reduce exposure and protect overall well-being.

What are Microplastics?

Microplastics are tiny plastic particles, typically less than 5 millimeters in size, that originate from various sources. These include the breakdown of larger plastic debris, microbeads found in personal care products, and synthetic fibers shed from clothing. These minuscule particles are pervasive, contaminating oceans, rivers, lakes, and even the air we breathe. Alarmingly, microplastics have also been detected in the human body, with studies revealing that we ingest and inhale these plastic particles daily. Their omnipresence in our environment and bodies raises significant concerns about their potential impact on human health.

How Do Microplastics Enter the Human Body?

Microplastics find their way into human bodies through ingestion, inhalation, and skin contact. Each of these pathways contributes to daily exposure, making it difficult to avoid them entirely.

Ingestion through Food and Water

Drinking water has been identified as a major source of microplastic ingestion. A study by Orb Media found that 93 percent of bottled water samples tested contained microplastics, with an average of 325 particles per liter. Tap water was also found to contain plastic fibers, though in slightly lower concentrations than plastic water bottles.

Seafood is another common source, as fish and shellfish consume microplastics in contaminated oceans. These particles accumulate in their digestive systems and are passed up the food chain. Animal studies have provided insights into the ingestion of microplastics by marine animals, which informs our understanding of toxic effects of human ingestion.

Fruits and vegetables have also been found to contain microplastics. An article from Food & Wine suggests that plants absorb microplastic particles through contaminated soil and irrigation water.

Inhalation of Microplastics in the Air

Microplastics are present in both indoor and outdoor air. Synthetic fibers from carpets, furniture, and clothing shed tiny plastic particles that become airborne. Urban areas with heavy traffic also contribute to plastic pollution through tire wear and road dust.

Inhaled microplastics can lead to cellular damage in lung cells and allergic reactions in human cells.

A 2017 study found indoor airborne microfiber concentrations between 1.0 and 60.0 microfibers per cubic meter (33% of which were found to be microplastics).

Microplastics in Drinking Water and Food

Microplastics have infiltrated our drinking water and food supply on a global scale. Microplastics have been detected in various foods, including seafood, salt, and even beer. The ingestion of microplastics through drinking water and food is a growing concern for human health, as these particles can carry harmful chemicals and pollutants into our bodies. This widespread contamination underscores the urgent need for measures to protect our health and reduce plastic waste.

How Much Microplastic Do Humans Consume?

Scientists have been working to estimate the amount of microplastics that humans ingest daily, and the results are concerning.

Plastic materials are widely used in various industries, contributing significantly to microplastic contamination.

Annual Consumption Estimates

A study estimated that the average person consumes between 39,000 and 52,000 microplastic particles per year. When inhalation is included, this number rises to over 74,000 particles annually. These estimates vary depending on diet, location, and lifestyle choices.

Additionally, these microplastics often contain endocrine disrupting chemicals, which can pose significant reproductive health risks by affecting reproductive systems and fetal development.

Research suggests that microplastics have been found in the brain more commonly than any other human organ.

Factors That Affect Exposure to Microplastics

• Dietary choices play a significant role in exposure levels. People who consume large amounts of seafood or processed foods packaged in plastic may have higher intake.

• Living environment affects exposure, with urban areas often having more airborne microplastics from traffic and industrial sources.

• Water sources influence ingestion rates, as bottled water contains significantly more microplastics than filtered or tap water.

What Are the Adverse Health Effects of Microplastics on Humans?

While research is still ongoing, early studies suggest that microplastics could have harmful or negative effects on human health. Public health experts emphasize the broader implications of microplastic exposure, highlighting the urgent need for research to understand its impact on various health issues. Scientists are concerned about their potential impact on digestion, the immune system, and long-term disease risk.

Impact on the Digestive System

Once microplastics are ingested, they travel through the digestive system. While many particles pass through the body without being absorbed, some may interact with gut bacteria or even cross the intestinal barrier.

Microplastics can alter gut microbiota, leading to inflammation and changes in digestion. Disruptions in gut bacteria have been linked to conditions such as obesity, diabetes, and immune system disorders.

Potential Effects on the Immune System

Microplastics contain chemical additives, toxic chemicals including bisphenol A and phthalates, which are known endocrine disruptors. These chemicals can interfere with hormone production and immune function.

Some laboratory studies also suggest that exposure to microplastics may contribute to oxidative stress and inflammation in the body. Long-term exposure to plastic-associated chemicals has been linked to an increased risk of metabolic disorders and reproductive issues.

Microplastics in Human Organs and the Bloodstream

Microplastics are not only passing through the digestive system but also making their way into the bloodstream and internal organs. This raises concerns about long-term health effects, as plastics and their chemical additives may accumulate in the body over time.

Efforts to reduce microplastics pollution are crucial in mitigating these health risks, with international initiatives, particularly in the European Union, aiming to cut microplastics pollution by 30% by 2030.

Microplastics Detected in Human Blood

Scientists believe that microplastics enter the blood through ingestion and inhalation. Once in the blood vessels and circulation, these particles may travel to various organs, potentially causing inflammation or disrupting cellular function.

Microplastics in Human Lungs and Placentas

• Researchers have found microplastic fibers in lung tissue, indicating that inhaled particles can become embedded in the respiratory system. In a study conducted by researchers at Hull York Medical School, microplastics were found in 11 out of 13 lung tissue samples from surgical patients. A total of 39 microplastics were identified, with polypropylene (commonly used in packaging) and PET (used in beverage bottles) being the most prevalent. 

• In 2021, a study detected microplastics in human placentas, suggesting that plastic particles can pass from mother to fetus during pregnancy. The presence of foreign particles in developing infants raises concerns about potential developmental effects.

These findings highlight the need for further research on how microplastics affect marine organisms and human health over time.

Could Microplastics Increase the Risk of Disease?

The long-term effects of microplastic exposure remain unclear, but scientists are investigating possible links between plastic particles and various health conditions.

Inflammation and Cellular Damage

Microplastics can trigger an inflammatory response when they accumulate in tissues' reproductive organs. Chronic inflammation has been associated with a range of diseases, including cardiovascular conditions and autoimmune disorders.

Plastic particles have been proven to cause cellular stress in animal models and laboratory experiments, leading to DNA damage and disruptions in normal cell function. If these effects occur in the human body, they could contribute to tissue damage and long-term health issues.

Potential Link to Cancer Risk

Some researchers are exploring whether microplastic exposure could increase the risk of certain cancers. Plastics contain chemical additives, including endocrine disruptors, that have been linked to hormone-related cancers such as breast and prostate cancer.

Although there is no direct evidence proving that microplastics cause cancer in humans, studies on plastic-associated chemicals suggest they could play a role in increasing disease risk. More research is needed to determine whether microplastic accumulation contributes to tumor formation.

How to Reduce Microplastic Exposure in Daily Life

While it is nearly impossible to avoid microplastics entirely, there are steps individuals can take to reduce their exposure. Making informed choices about food, water, and household products can significantly lower the number of plastic particles entering the body.

Filtering Drinking Water

Microplastics have been detected in both tap and bottled water, making filtration an essential step in reducing intake. Research suggests that bottled water contains significantly higher concentrations of microplastics than tap water.

• Reverse osmosis and activated carbon filters have been shown to remove a large percentage of microplastic particles from drinking water.

• Choosing stainless steel or glass water bottles instead of plastic ones reduces the risk of ingesting additional plastic particles.

A study found that high-quality water filtration systems with membrane filters can significantly reduce microplastic content, removing up to 99.999% of microplastics from drinking water.

Choosing Plastic-Free Food Packaging

Food packaging is another major source of microplastic contamination. Many processed foods contain microscopic plastic particles due to packaging materials breaking down over time.

• Opting for fresh, unpackaged produce reduces contact with plastic.

• Storing food in glass, stainless steel, or silicone containers instead of plastic helps minimize leaching of plastic chemicals.

• Avoiding microwaving food in plastic containers prevents plastic from degrading and releasing microplastics into food.

By making small changes in food storage and packaging choices, individuals can significantly lower their microplastic intake.

Regulatory Developments and International Efforts

Addressing the issue of microplastics requires coordinated global action. The European Union has taken a significant step by banning microbeads in personal care products, and several countries have implemented bans on single-use plastics. The World Health Organization (WHO) has called for more research into the health effects of microplastics, highlighting the need for a deeper understanding of their impact. Additionally, the United Nations has launched a global initiative to reduce marine litter, including microplastics. These efforts aim to curb the amount of plastic waste in the environment and mitigate its adverse health effects on humans.

Conclusion

Microplastics are now found in nearly every aspect of daily life, from the food and water we consume to the air we breathe. Reducing microplastic exposure is possible through simple lifestyle changes, such as filtering drinking water, avoiding plastic food packaging, and choosing natural fiber clothing. Monitoring personal exposure levels can also help individuals make informed decisions about their health.

For those looking to take proactive steps, testing for microplastic contamination is an important first move. The MicroplastX Test Kit allows users to detect microplastics in their water, food, and household environments, helping them understand and minimize their exposure.

Take control of your health today—start testing your microplastic exposure with the MicroplastX Test Kit.