Plastic Ban Debate: Balancing Benefits and Environmental Concerns (Part- VIII)

 What are invisible threats of Microplastic?
We are Consuming microplastics and microbeads : A Bitter Unsettling Reality

The Unseen Threat Within : Microplastics in Our Food and Water

Photo from The Conversation

Microplastics, tiny plastic fragments smaller than 5 millimeters, are a pervasive environmental contaminant. Their insidious presence in our air, water, and food raises concerns about their potential impact on human health. While research is ongoing, evidence suggests multiple pathways for microplastic consumption and potential health hazards.

Unwitting Ingestion: 

Seafood : Microplastics accumulate in the marine food chain, with shellfish, crustaceans, and fish most affected. Studies have found microplastics in various seafood species consumed by humans, raising concerns about potential bioaccumulation and transfer through the food chain.

Drinking Water : Microplastics have been detected in bottled and tap water globally. While filtration systems remove larger particles, smaller ones might remain, raising concerns about daily microplastic intake through drinking water.

Food Packaging : Chemicals from plastic packaging can leach into food, particularly with fatty or acidic contents. Bisphenol A (BPA), a common plastic additive, is linked to potential endocrine disruption and other health concerns.

Airborne Microplastics : Microplastic fibers from synthetic clothing and other sources can be inhaled, potentially reaching the lungs and causing respiratory issues.

Cosmetics and Personal Care Products : Microplastics are often used in cosmetics and personal care products like exfoliating scrubs, toothpaste, and makeup, which can be ingested inadvertently.

Chewing Gum : Some chewing gums contain microplastics as additives, which can be ingested while chewing and accidentally swallowed.
Contaminated Soil : Consumption of fruits, vegetables, or crops grown in soil contaminated with microplastics, which may absorb particles from surrounding environments.

Infant Formula : Microplastics can be present in powdered infant formula, as manufacturing processes or packaging materials may introduce contamination. Infants consuming formula milk are at risk of ingesting microplastics.
Medical Devices and Implants : Certain medical devices and implants, such as those made from plastic materials, have the potential to release microplastic particles into the body over time, especially through wear and tear or degradation processes.

Beyond Ingestion:

Dermal Exposure : Microplastics in cosmetics, personal care products, and even dust can come into contact with the skin, potentially leading to skin irritation or allergic reactions.

Microplastics in Toothpaste : Some toothpaste brands contain microplastic abrasives, raising concerns about potential ingestion and environmental impact.

Potential Health Hazards:

Inflammation and Immune Response : Microplastics in the body might trigger inflammatory responses and disrupt the immune system, potentially contributing to various health issues. 
Endocrine Disruption : Chemicals like BPA from plastics can mimic hormones, potentially interfering with hormonal balance and impacting reproductive health, development, and metabolism. 
Tissue Damage and Bioaccumulation : Microplastics might accumulate in organs like the liver, kidneys, and intestines, potentially causing damage and long-term health effects. 
Uncertainties and Ongoing Research : The full extent of microplastic-related health hazards remains unclear due to limited research and the complexity of interactions between microplastics, the body, and other environmental factors.

Recent Data Highlights: 

• A 2023 study published in Nature Food found microplastics in human placentas, indicating potential transfer to developing fetuses.
  
• A 2022 study in Environmental Science & Technology linked microplastic exposure to gut inflammation in mice, raising concerns about potential impacts on human gut health.
  
• A 2021 review in Environmental Research highlighted the potential link between microplastic exposure and various health issues like cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and cancer, urging further research. Further research is necessary to fully understand the long-term health effects of microplastic exposure. Individual actions and policy changes can contribute to reducing microplastic pollution and protecting human health.

References:-  (from Frontiers)

• Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, ON, Canada
• Moore Institute for Plastic Pollution Research, Long Beach, CA, United States
• Davis Centre Library, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, ON, Canada
• Department of Biology, Carleton University, Ottawa, ON, Canada
• Institute of Biology, University of Neuchâtel, Neuchâtel, Switzerland
• Digital Research Alliance of Canada, Ottawa, ON, Canada
• Institute for Global Environment Strategies (IGES), Kanagawa, Japan
• National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) National Centers for Environmental Information (NCEI), Stennis Space Center, Starkville, MS, United States
• Northern Gulf Institute, Mississippi State University, Stennis Space Center, Starkville, MS, United States
• GRID-Arendal, Arendal, Norway
• Southern California Coastal Water Research Project (SCCWRP), Costa Mesa, CA, United States
• Alfred-Wegener-Institut Helmholtz-Zentrum für Polar- und Meeresforschung, Bremerhaven, Germany
• School of Environment, Trent University, Peterborough, ON, Canada
• The Behrend College, Pennsylvania State University, Erie, PA, United States
• Department of Chemistry, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, ON, Canada
• Norwegian Institute for Water Research, Oslo, Norway
• SINTEF Ocean, Trondheim, Norway

Of the 279 microplastics datasets found in online data repositories, 20.4% presented only metadata with access to the data requiring additional approval. Although increasing, the rate of microplastic data sharing still lags behind that of publication of peer-reviewed articles on environmental microplastics. (Studies)

Bigger Highlight

In the quest to unravel the pervasive presence of microplastics across diverse ecosystems, scientists are pioneering innovative methodologies to isolate, enumerate, and gauge these minuscule particles. This concerted effort aims to map the global distribution of microplastics, a vital endeavor epitomized by initiatives like the Arctic Monitoring and Assessment Programme (AMAP) report and Wayne State’s Smart Management of Microplastic Pollution project. Understanding this distribution is pivotal in deciphering the origins, trajectories, and impacts of microplastics on our planet. It serves as the compass guiding our comprehension of these synthetic intruders, shaping policies and decisions aimed at mitigating their adverse effects. Notable milestones include the United Nations' sweeping resolution on plastic pollution and California's comprehensive microplastics strategy. However, the efficacy of such measures hinges on the availability and accessibility of reliable microplastic data. To this end, the principles of FAIR data (Findable, Accessible, Interoperable, and Reusable) must underpin data collection, curation, and dissemination efforts. Upholding these principles not only fosters scientific advancement but also ensures accountability, transparency, and informed decision-making. Embracing FAIR practices is imperative to safeguard research integrity, empower policy formulation, and address mounting concerns regarding the ecological and human health impacts of microplastics.

Conclusion:

Microplastic contamination poses a growing concern for human health. While the full extent of the risks remains unclear, the evidence suggests several potential pathways for microplastic consumption and possible health hazards. Reducing plastic dependence, opting for alternatives, and improving waste management are crucial steps towards minimizing microplastic exposure and safeguarding human health.

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