Microplastics: Hidden Health Risks and How to Reduce Exposure

The Pervasive Presence of Microplastics

Microplastics have become an omnipresent part of our environment. Every week, without realizing it, we consume the equivalent of an entire credit card in plastic. We are unknowingly ingesting and inhaling millions of plastic particles every year, and these tiny particles aren't just passing through - they're accumulating in our organs and tissues.

In early 2024, human brain samples were found to contain, on average, 0.5% plastic by weight. In the reproductive system, higher levels of plastic like PCBs have been linked to lower sperm counts. These microplastics are often made from or contain harmful chemicals like BPA, BPS, and phthalates. These substances are widely used to harden plastics and make them more durable, but they are known to disrupt hormones, alter metabolism, and have been linked to a range of health issues from reproductive problems to neurodevelopmental diseases.

How Microplastics Enter Our Bodies

The primary routes of exposure to microplastics are oral ingestion and inhalation. We're consuming them through:

• Bottled water
• Tap water
• Packaged foods
• Fresh produce contaminated by polluted soil and water

We're also inhaling microplastic particles suspended in the air, especially in urban environments where synthetic clothing fibers and degraded plastic waste become airborne.

These particles don't just pass through us - they accumulate. They've been detected in the lungs, liver, heart, brain, reproductive organs, and even in the placenta. This widespread presence raises critical questions about what these microplastic particles might do to our health. Could they be disrupting our cells, altering our brain function, or contributing to chronic diseases?

Understanding Microplastics

Microplastics are incredibly small particles, ranging from 5 millimeters in size (about the size of a grain of rice) down to 100 nanometers (about a thousand times smaller than a grain of sand). When they're that small, they're called nanoplastics.

These particles result from larger plastic items breaking down over time through a process called oxidation. More than 70% of microplastics come from this breakdown of larger plastics, while the rest are intentionally added to everyday products like microbeads in cosmetics, fibers in synthetic clothing, and industrial plastics used in manufacturing.

Exposure Routes and Quantities

We're exposed to microplastics almost constantly through two primary routes: oral ingestion and inhalation. The average person inhales or ingests up to 120,000 microplastic particles per year from sources like tap water, bottled water, and packaged foods.

Tap water alone can account for the ingestion of anywhere between 220,000 to 1.2 million microplastic particles per year, depending on the source. Studies show that people who drink bottled water exclusively could consume up to 990,000 more additional plastic particles per year compared to those who only drink tap water.

Harmful Chemical Additives in Plastics

Plastics often contain chemicals such as BPA, BPS, phthalates, and PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, also known as "forever chemicals"). These are infused into plastics to enhance their durability and flexibility, but they come with significant health risks:

• BPA and BPS: These compounds can mimic estrogen in the body, leading to hormonal imbalances that affect everything from reproductive health to brain function. A study published in the Journal of Hypertension found that drinking from aluminum cans lined with BPA-containing resin can increase blood pressure within just a few hours.

• Phthalates: Commonly used to make plastics more flexible, phthalates have been linked to endocrine disruption, reproductive issues, and developmental problems in children. Research has reported that higher levels of phthalates correlate with decreased testosterone levels in males, affecting everything from muscle mass to mood.

• PFAS: Used to make products resistant to water, oil, and stains, PFAS appear in things like non-stick cookware, water-repellent clothing, and food packaging. Exposure to PFAS has been associated with immune system suppression, thyroid dysfunction, and increased risk of certain cancers.

What's alarming is how easily these chemicals can leach out of plastics, especially when heated or in contact with acidic or fatty foods. For example, heating polycarbonate bottles to just 100°C can increase the release of BPA up to 55 times.

Microplastics in the Air

Microplastics are not confined to contaminated food and water - they're also present in the atmosphere. This allows them to enter our respiratory system, where they can lodge themselves deep within our lungs, raising concerns about potential chronic lung inflammation and other health issues associated with long-term exposure.

A major source of airborne microplastics is synthetic textiles used in clothing (polyester, nylon, acrylic fibers). Every time these fabrics are washed, they shed tiny microfibers that can enter waterways and eventually end up in our tap water and oceans. These microfibers also become airborne, meaning we inhale them during regular wear, especially when handling laundry.

Another significant contributor to airborne microplastics is tire wear and the degradation of synthetic soles on our shoes. Each time we drive, walk, or run, tiny particles of rubber and plastic are worn away and released into the air. These particles become part of the ambient dust we inhale every day.

Bioaccumulation of Microplastics

Microplastics don't just pass through our bodies - they bioaccumulate. Every breath we take, every bite we eat, every sip we drink introduces these tiny microplastic particles into our system, and they're settling into our lungs, liver, kidneys, bloodstream, and even our brains. Along with them, they're carrying harmful chemicals like BPA and phthalates.

Let's look at how microplastics accumulate in different parts of our body:

Lungs

A 2022 study examining lung tissues from surgical patients found microplastics in every single sample. Researchers identified various types of microplastics, including polyethylene, polypropylene, and PET - the same plastics found in everyday items like bags, bottles, and clothing fibers.

In the lungs, microplastics can cause inflammation and oxidative stress, potentially contributing to respiratory issues like asthma and COPD. One study found that microplastics could reach the lower regions of the lungs, which was previously thought to be unlikely due to the body's natural filtration mechanisms.

Liver

The liver, our body's primary detoxifying organ, is another critical site where microplastics accumulate. Research has shown that liver cells exposed to microplastics exhibit significant disruptions in functions, specifically mitochondrial damage and increased oxidative stress - both key drivers of conditions like non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.

A study compared liver tissue samples from individuals with liver cirrhosis to those with healthy livers. The cirrhotic livers contained significantly higher levels of microplastics compared to normal, healthy livers, suggesting these microplastic particles could play a role in liver disease progression.

Brain

In both animal studies and preliminary human studies, microplastics have been found to cross the blood-brain barrier. Once inside, they can activate microglia cells, the brain's resident immune cells. Activated microglia can trigger neuroinflammatory responses which, over time, may contribute to neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's and Parkinson's.

A study using mice exposed to microplastics found increased levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines in the brain, along with behavioral changes indicative of neurological impairment.

Reproductive System

Microplastics have been discovered in human placentas collected after birth. The particles were found on both the maternal and fetal sides of the placenta, as well as within the amniotic membranes, suggesting that microplastics can cross the placental barrier.

In males, human studies have detected microplastics in testicular tissue, in sperm, and even in the blood-testes barrier. Animal studies have shown that exposure to microplastics led to decreased sperm count, reduced motility, and alterations in sperm morphology.

Bloodstream

A 2022 study was the first to detect microplastics in human blood samples. Researchers found that 80% of the participants had measurable levels of microplastics in their blood, with an average concentration of about 1.6 micrograms per milliliter.

Once in the bloodstream, microplastics can circulate and deposit in various tissues and organs. A study involving cardiac surgery patients found that the number of microplastics in their blood increased after surgery compared to before, suggesting that microplastics persist in the body and are not readily eliminated.

Health Impacts of Microplastics and Associated Chemicals

Endocrine Disruption

Microplastics and their associated chemicals like BPA, BPS, and phthalates can significantly impact our endocrine system. These substances interfere with hormone signaling in our bodies, affecting everything from metabolism to reproduction to brain function.

BPA and BPS act as xenoestrogens, foreign compounds that imitate estrogen by binding to estrogen receptors. This can lead to abnormal hormone signaling, affecting reproductive health and brain development. Studies have found that adults and adolescents with higher urinary BPA levels had lower testosterone levels and altered estrogen metabolism.

Phthalates, particularly a metabolite called DEHP, interfere with the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axis, the command center for hormone production and regulation. This can lead to reduced levels of critical hormones like testosterone and estradiol, impacting not just reproductive health but also muscle mass, bone density, and mood.

BPA and phthalates can also interfere with thyroid hormone receptors, disrupting the normal feedback mechanisms that regulate T3 and T4 thyroid hormone levels. This can lead to symptoms like fatigue, weight gain, and cognitive impairments.

Reproductive Health

BPA exposure during pregnancy has been linked to various reproductive health issues. A 2022 study found that pregnant women with higher levels of BPA in their urine were more likely to give birth to boys who had slower growth rates during their early years. BPA exposure was found to disrupt estrogen signaling in the placenta, potentially explaining the delayed growth in boys.

Phthalates have been consistently shown to interfere with male reproductive development. Higher phthalate levels during pregnancy are linked to a significant shortening of the anogenital distance in male infants, a key marker for reproductive health. Shorter anogenital distance in boys has been linked to a higher risk of birth defects like hypospadias and undescended testicles.

In adult men, exposure to higher levels of phthalates has been associated with lower sperm quality and reduced testosterone levels, directly impacting fertility and overall hormone balance.

In women, exposure to higher phthalate levels is associated with irregular menstrual cycles and a higher risk of endometriosis, a painful condition that can lead to fertility issues.

Neurodevelopmental Issues

There's a potential link between BPA and autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Multiple human observational studies suggest a connection between maternal BPA levels and an increased risk of neurodevelopmental disorders, including ASD.

A study from Harvard School of Public Health found that higher BPA levels in pregnant women were associated with behavioral problems in their children, particularly boys. These included issues like anxiety, aggression, and impaired social functioning - traits that overlap with ASD symptoms.

Animal studies have consistently shown that BPA exposure during pregnancy causes offspring to have deficits in social behaviors, increased anxiety, and altered brain structure in key areas like the prefrontal cortex and hippocampus - the same brain areas affected in humans with autism.

Moreover, children with ASD struggle to metabolize BPA efficiently, meaning it builds up in its active form (free BPA) and circulates in their systems longer, potentially affecting brain development throughout childhood and adolescence.

Cardiovascular Health

BPA doesn't just mess with our hormones - it directly affects our heart's ability to function properly. One key mechanism is how BPA disrupts calcium signaling in heart cells. Calcium is essential for the electrical activity of the heart, helping regulate things like heart rate and contractile function.

Studies have shown that acute exposure to BPA can inhibit voltage-gated calcium channels, which impairs how cardiomyocytes (heart cells) handle calcium. This disruption can affect how the heart contracts and can trigger abnormal activities in the heart muscle.

Phthalates can act as cardio-depressants, meaning they slow down the heart rate and interfere with the way electrical signals move through the heart. This not only weakens our heart's ability to contract but also slows blood flow down and makes it harder for our hearts to do its job efficiently.

Microplastics themselves have been found embedded in arterial plaque. A study published in the New England Journal of Medicine found that patients with microplastics lodged in their arterial walls were 4.5 times more likely to experience a major cardiovascular event like a heart attack or stroke within three years compared to patients that did not have microplastics in their arterial walls.

BPA exposure has also been linked to hypertension. In a randomized controlled trial, researchers found that participants who drank from BPA-lined cans experienced a significant spike in blood pressure - about 4.5 millimeters of mercury increase in systolic blood pressure within hours.

Cancer Risk

While more research is needed, there's growing concern about the potential link between microplastics, their associated chemicals, and cancer risk.

A study published in 2022 looked at about 1.3 million children in Denmark over a 20-year period and found that childhood exposure to phthalates was associated with a 20% higher overall risk of childhood cancer. Specifically, children exposed to phthalates had nearly a three-fold higher rate of osteosarcoma (a rare bone cancer) and a two-fold higher rate of lymphoma.

There's also a growing body of research linking BPA exposure to breast cancer. BPA acts by mimicking estrogen, which plays a central role in the development of breast cancer. Studies have shown that even low-dose exposure to BPA can promote the growth of estrogen-sensitive breast cancer cells in laboratory settings.

Microplastics have been found in human tumor samples. In a study conducted on patients with lung cancer, researchers found microplastic particles in tumor tissue, suggesting that these foreign particles might play a role in cancer development or progression.

Strategies for Reducing Microplastic Exposure

While it's impossible to completely eliminate exposure to microplastics in our modern world, there are several practical steps we can take to significantly reduce our exposure:

Water Consumption

1. Install a reverse osmosis filtration system: These systems can remove up to 99.9% of microplastic particles from water, along with a wide range of other contaminants including heavy metals, bacteria, and chemicals like BPA and PFAS.

2. Avoid plastic water bottles: Minimize drinking water from plastic bottles and cans. Opt for glass bottles when possible.

3. Be cautious with sparkling water: Some brands of sparkling water have been found to contain high levels of PFAS. Choose brands with lower PFAS levels or make your own sparkling water at home using filtered water.

Food Choices and Storage

1. Choose fresh over packaged: Opt for fresh produce and bulk items over packaged foods to minimize exposure to microplastics and chemicals that can leach from packaging.

2. Reduce canned food consumption: Many aluminum cans are lined with plastic coatings containing BPA or BPS. Choose products packaged in glass when possible.

3. Use glass, stainless steel, or ceramic containers: For food storage, avoid plastic containers, especially when storing hot or acidic foods.

4. Avoid heating food in plastic: Don't microwave food in plastic containers or use plastic utensils with hot food. Heat accelerates the leaching of chemicals like BPA.

5. Be wary of "BPA-free" products: These often contain alternative chemicals like BPS, which may not be safer. Opt for non-plastic alternatives when possible.

6. Avoid non-stick cookware: These often contain PFAS. Use alternatives like cast iron, stainless steel, or ceramic cookware.

Air Quality

1. Use HEPA filters: High-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters can capture particles as small as 0.3 microns, making them effective at removing airborne microplastics.

2. Vacuum regularly with HEPA-equipped vacuums: This can help remove microplastic particles from floors and carpets.

3. Choose natural fiber clothing: Opt for clothing made from 100% natural fibers like cotton, bamboo, linen, hemp, wool, or silk to reduce shedding of synthetic microfibers.

4. Install a microfiber filter on your washing machine: This can trap microplastic fibers released during washing and prevent them from entering waterways.

Personal Care and Lifestyle

1. Avoid thermal paper receipts: These often contain BPA. Opt for digital receipts when possible.

2. Be cautious with hand sanitizers and lotions: These can increase absorption of BPA through the skin. Avoid using them before handling receipts.

3. Bring your own reusable mug: Avoid disposable paper coffee cups, which are often lined with plastic.

4. Choose natural fiber carpets and furniture: This can reduce the amount of synthetic fibers in your home environment.

Supporting Your Body's Detoxification Processes

While reducing exposure is crucial, we can also support our body's natural detoxification processes to help eliminate microplastics and their associated chemicals:

1. Consume sulforaphane-rich foods: Sulforaphane, found in high concentrations in broccoli sprouts, activates the Nrf2 pathway, which boosts our body's detoxification enzymes.

2. Increase fiber intake: Dietary fiber can bind to lipophilic chemicals like BPA and phthalates in the GI tract, reducing their absorption and promoting their excretion.

3. Stay hydrated: Drinking plenty of filtered water can help flush toxins from our system.

4. Exercise and sweat regularly: Physical activity and practices that induce sweating, like sauna use, can help eliminate some harmful chemicals through sweat.

5. Support liver health: The liver is our primary detoxification organ. Foods and supplements that support liver function, like milk thistle and N-acetylcysteine (NAC), may be beneficial.

Conclusion

Microplastics and their associated chemicals pose a significant challenge to human health, affecting us at multiple biological levels. These particles infiltrate our bodies, accumulate in vital organs, disrupt hormonal balance, impair fertility, and pose substantial risks to our neurological and cardiovascular systems.

However, by educating ourselves and making informed choices, we can significantly reduce our exposure. Implementing effective water filtration, choosing fresh foods over packaged ones, opting for natural fiber clothing, and supporting our body's natural detoxification processes are all powerful steps we can take.

Moreover, by raising awareness and advocating for systemic changes, we can contribute to a global effort for policy changes aimed at reducing plastic pollution. Our individual actions, when multiplied across communities, can lead to significant impact.

Remember, while we can't completely eliminate microplastics from our lives in today's world, we can take meaningful steps to reduce our exposure and support our body's resilience. By doing so, we're not just protecting our own health, but contributing to a healthier planet for future generations.

Article created from: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HTzw_grLzjw