Is Microplastic Harmful for Our Health?

 

In recent years, the term microplastics has entered public conversation with growing concern. Found in drinking water, soil, food, and even the air we breathe, microplastics have become virtually inescapable. But what exactly are microplastics, and more importantly, are they harmful to our health?

Microplastics are tiny plastic particles less than 5 millimeters in size. They are broadly categorized into two types:

1. Primary microplastics – These are intentionally manufactured small particles found in products like face scrubs, cosmetics, and industrial abrasives.
2. Secondary microplastics – These result from the breakdown of larger plastic products due to environmental factors like sunlight, wind, and water erosion.
These particles can enter the environment through improper waste disposal, industrial runoff, or the degradation of plastic items over time.

Microplastics have been detected in:
· Plastic Bottled and tap water
· One time plastic
· Sea salt and table salt
· Seafood, especially fish and shellfish
· Fruits, vegetables, and honey
· Air (especially in urban environments)
· Human breast milk and blood (as recent studies suggest)
This widespread presence has raised red flags among scientists and health experts globally.

Humans are exposed to microplastics through three main routes:
1. Ingestion – Consuming contaminated food and water.
2. Inhalation – Breathing in airborne plastic particles.
3. Dermal exposure – Through skin contact with microplastic-containing products, although this is considered less significant.
Once inside the body, microplastics can travel through the digestive or respiratory tract and may even enter the bloodstream, potentially reaching organs such as the liver, kidneys, or lungs.

The study of microplastics and their impact on human health is still emerging, but several concerns have been raised based on current research:

Microplastics can cause physical stress or injury to body tissues. Animal studies have shown inflammation and damage to the digestive tract when exposed to high levels of microplastics.

Many plastics contain additives like phthalates, bisphenol A (BPA), flame retardants, and heavy metals. These substances can leach out and are known to be endocrine disruptors — chemicals that interfere with hormone systems. Long-term exposure could lead to reproductive issues, developmental delays, or even certain cancers.

Microplastics can bind to harmful environmental toxins like pesticides or heavy metals, acting as carriers. Once these contaminated particles enter the body, they may release these toxins, increasing the potential for chronic illnesses.

Some studies suggest that microplastics can trigger immune responses, including inflammation. Over time, chronic inflammation may lead to diseases like atherosclerosis, arthritis, or other auto-immune conditions.

Emerging evidence points to the possibility that microplastics may disturb the gut microbiome — the ecosystem of bacteria that plays a crucial role in digestion, immunity, and mental health. Disruption of this balance can lead to metabolic disorders and increased susceptibility to infections.

The World Health Organization (WHO) acknowledges the widespread presence of microplastics but states that current data is insufficient to conclusively determine their health effects. However, the WHO has called for more research, especially long-term human studies, and improved plastic waste management to reduce environmental contamination.

While definitive answers are still being researched, the precautionary principle is a reasonable approach. That means taking preventive action in the face of uncertainty. Given that plastic pollution and microplastics are escalating, reducing our exposure can be a wise health strategy.

What Can You Do to Reduce Exposure?
Here are some practical ways to limit your intake of microplastics:
Avoid single-use plastics: Choose reusable glass or metal containers.
Use water filters: Some home water filters can remove microplastics.
Eat less processed food: Packaging and additives in processed food often increase microplastic exposure.
Avoid synthetic clothing: Fabrics like polyester shed microfibers during washing. Opt for natural fibers like cotton or wool.
Wash clothes in laundry bags: Special laundry bags can capture microfibers and prevent them from entering the water system.
Support policies: Advocate for better plastic regulation, recycling, and research funding.

Microplastics are undeniably present in our environment and have already entered the human body. While the full extent of their health impacts is still under investigation, early findings suggest that they pose a real and growing threat to human health — particularly through chemical toxicity, inflammation, and hormonal disruption.

Reducing plastic use, improving waste management, and encouraging scientific research are essential steps toward safeguarding public health. The invisible nature of microplastics makes them easy to overlook, but their impact may be long-lasting. It’s time to take them seriously — for our health, and for future generations.
 

SMM Musabbir Uddin is a
student of Universal Medical
College, Dhaka.