NEW YORK. Microplastics, the tiny remnants of plastic products, have permeated our environment. From oceans and air to our food and drinking water, these particles are now found in various body tissues, including the heart, liver, kidneys, and even testicles. But the critical question remains: Are they harming us?
What Are Microplastics?
Microplastics are minute plastic particles resulting from the breakdown of larger plastic items through exposure to heat, weather, and animal digestion. These particles have been detected in numerous environments—air, water, soil, milk, and even in bottled and tap water. They also infiltrate various foods such as salt, sugar, honey, rice, and seafood.
Are Microplastics Inside You?
Chances are, yes. Scientific debate continues over the extent of microplastic ingestion and inhalation, which varies based on diet and geographic location. In 2019, Australian researchers estimated that people consume roughly 5 grams of plastic weekly from food and beverages—the equivalent of a credit card. While this estimate is debated, signs of plastic presence in body tissues are increasingly evident.
Tracey Woodruff, a researcher at the University of California, San Francisco, noted, “Microplastics have been measured in pretty much all of the body tissues that have been evaluated.” Reports have even documented microplastics in the penis, ovaries, and placentas.
Will Microplastics Harm You?
The answer is still uncertain. A 2022 World Health Organization report found no clear evidence linking microplastics to human health risks based on current data. There are no apparent signs of widespread public health impacts, as mortality rates from cancer, heart disease, and stroke continue to decline.
However, researchers are concerned. Some suggest that microplastics may contribute to rising cancer rates among younger individuals. “Even though there’s a lot we still don’t know about microplastic particles and the harm they cause to humans, the information that is available today is in my mind very concerning,” said Dr. Philip Landrigan of Boston College.
Studies have shown that microplastics can cause inflammation and other adverse bodily changes, potentially increasing the risk of heart attacks and strokes. A recent study in the New England Journal of Medicine hinted at a link between microplastics in arteries and an increased risk of death from heart attacks and strokes, though this finding is not yet conclusive.
What Can You Do About Microplastics?
To minimize exposure, researchers suggest several measures:
- Remove shoes before entering your home to avoid tracking in dust containing microplastics.
- Consume fresh, home-prepared foods rather than processed items.
- Avoid microwaving food in plastic containers.
- Opt for reusable stainless steel or glass bottles instead of disposable plastic ones.
Dr. Marya Zlatnik, a San Francisco-based obstetrician, acknowledges the challenges in addressing microplastics, particularly for families facing financial constraints. “If someone is worried about where their next meal is going to come from, I’m not going to give them advice to keep their leftovers in glass containers and to not microwave in plastic,” she said.
As research continues, understanding the full impact of microplastics on human health remains a priority for scientists and health experts alike.
Paraluman P. Funtanilla
Paraluman P. Funtanilla is Tutubi News Magazine's Marketing Specialist and is a Contributing Editor. She finished her degree in Communication Arts in De La Salle Lipa. She has worked as a Digital Marketer for start-up businesses and small business spaces for the past two years. She has earned certificates from Coursera on Brand Management: Aligning Business Brand and Behavior and Viral Marketing and How to Craft Contagious Content. She also worked with Asia Express Romania TV Show.
