Microplastics: A Silent Threat to Our Health by Dr Tikfu Gee

Introduction

Microplastics have emerged as a global environmental and health concern. Recent studies have revealed their presence in unexpected places, including human breast milk and feces, raising serious questions about their impact on human health. This article explores the sources, health implications, and strategies to reduce exposure to these tiny but pervasive pollutants.

What Are Microplastics?

Microplastics, particles smaller than 5 millimeters, are found in a variety of sources including degraded plastic waste, cosmetic products, and clothing fibers. Their minute size allows them to infiltrate ecosystems, and subsequently, the human body.

Routes of Microplastic Exposure

Humans primarily ingest microplastics through food, water, and air. A study commissioned by WWF and conducted by the University of Newcastle, Australia, found that on average, people could be ingesting about 5 grams of plastic weekly, the equivalent of a credit card. The highest levels of plastics were found in water (both bottled and tap), shellfish, beer, and salt.

Health Implications

1. Digestive System:

Research published in 'Environmental Science & Technology' found that people with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) had higher amounts of microplastics in their feces compared to healthy individuals, suggesting a potential link between microplastics and digestive health issues.

2. Toxicity:

Microplastics can carry harmful chemicals such as bisphenols and phthalates, particularly when heated, leading to potential health risks.

3. Cancer Risks:

The presence of toxic substances in microplastics has raised concerns about potential carcinogenic effects, although direct links to cancer are still under investigation.

4. Impacts on Infants:

A groundbreaking study in the journal 'Polymers' found microplastics in 26 out of 34 breast milk staples, highlighting the risk to infants. The study recorded the mother's consumption of food and drink in plastic packaging and the use of personal hygiene products in plastic containers.

Prevention Strategies

1. Avoiding Plastic Use:

Avoiding single-use plastics and choosing eco friendly alternatives can decrease microplastic pollution.

2. Safe Food Practices:

To minimise the leaching of microplastics, avoid using plastic containers with hot foods and liquids. Opt for materials like glass or stainless steel instead.

3. Public Awareness and Legislation:

Educating the public about the sources and risks of microplastics and advocating for policies to reduce plastic pollution are crucial steps.

Conclusion

The ubiquity of microplastics and their potential health risks necessitate urgent action. While research is ongoing to understand the full scope of these risks, individuals can take steps to reduce their exposure, and collectively, we can advocate for broader environmental and policy changes.

Comment down below on your thoughts,

Dato Dr Tikfu Gee

#DrTikfuGee #DatoDrTikfuGee #DrGee #TikfuGee #Microplastic #RoutesOfMicroplastics #MicroplasticExposure #HealthImplication #MicroplasticsInBreastMilk #MicroplasticsInFood #ReducePlasticUse

References: 

1. Revealed: Plastic ingestion by people could be equating to a credit card a week (2019). Retrieved from WWF ↩ 

2. Yan Z., et al. Respond to comment on 'Analysis of microplastics in human feces reveals a correlation  between fecal microplastics and inflammatory bowel disease  status (2022). Environ Sci Technol. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1021/acs.est.2c05327 ↩ 

3. Ragusa A., et al. Raman microspectroscopy detection and characterisation of microplastics in human breast milk (2022). Polymers. DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/polym14132700 ↩

4. Loria K. Most plastic products contain potentially toxic chemicals, study reveals (2019). Retrieved from Consumer Reports ↩

5. Is plastic a threat to your health (2019). Retrieved from Harvard Health ↩