Do you know when you eat your favourite takeaway or drink water or inhale air, you might be consuming microplastics? It sounds alarming, but it’s not far from reality.
A study commissioned by the World Wildlife Fund estimated that the average person ingests around 5 grams of plastic each week, which is equivalent of a credit card's weight. Additionally, research indicates that the typical person consumes at least 50,000 microplastic particles annually, with this number potentially rising significantly for those who consume ultra-processed diets.
As per reports, Microplastics are less than 5mm, originate from various sources, such as the breakdown of larger plastic items, microbeads in personal care products, and synthetic fibers from clothing, these particles are prevalent in our environment.
Once microplastics are inside the human body, they can absorb and release harmful chemicals, which are then deposited into our organs, including the lungs, liver, kidneys, and brain.
Lungs accumulate the highest amount of microplastics compared to other organs. In recent studies scientists also found a concerning amount of microplastic in brain samples.
Microplastic Impact on Function of Human Cell
According to Dr RR Dutta, Head of Internal Medicine at Paras Health, Gurugram, these tiny particles induce oxidative stress and inflammation, which leads to cellular toxicity in the human body. In the lungs, microplastics might trigger the response of the human immune system that can damage the lung tissue, impairing respiratory function. In the liver, they could disrupt the balance of enzymes and proteins essential for detoxification, leading to liver damage or fibrosis. Similarly, in the kidneys, microplastics may interfere with filtration processes, impairing kidney function leading to chronic kidney disease.
Dr Shikha Jain, an Obstetrician and Gynecologist from Gurugram, said, “microplastic exposure is linked to a range of symptoms and health conditions. Respiratory issues like chronic coughing, shortness of breath, and wheezing may be associated with microplastic accumulation in the lungs. Liver-related symptoms such as jaundice, fatigue, and unexplained weight loss could indicate microplastic-induced damage. Additionally, it can also lead to swelling in the legs or feet, and high blood pressure.”
“Oxidative stress caused by microplastics may harm cellular DNA, proteins and lipids. This can result in mutation and instable genetics. This can eventually impair the normal cellular process and increase the risk of cancer,” Dr Jain added.
Furthermore, microplastics are suspected to contribute to reproductive health issues, including infertility, miscarriage, and congenital malformations. Dr Jain also highlighted the potential for microplastics to trigger gastrointestinal symptoms like abdominal pain, bloating, nausea, vomiting, and changes in bowel habits.
“The microplastics may weaken the body's resilience to environmental toxins, making it more susceptible to various health issues. Additionally, the potential for microplastics to disrupt endocrine functions, contribute to metabolic disorders, and increase the risk of cancer are areas of growing concern,” Dr Dutta warned.
Interactions with Other Environmental Pollutants
Microplastics do not exist in isolation, rather they often interact with other environmental pollutants within the body, which amplifies their harmful effects.
Dr Dutta said, “microplastics can act as carriers for toxic substances, such as heavy metals, pesticides, and persistent organic pollutants (POPs), facilitating their transport and accumulation in organs. This interaction may enhance the toxicity of these substances, leading to more severe health outcomes.”
The growing presence of microplastics in our environment and in our bodies is a silent threat that demands our attention. Research is still uncovering the full extent of their impact, the evidence so far points to serious health risks. While there are laws in place for ban on the use plastic bags and microbeads, a larger push is urgently needed.
