Microplastics, tiny plastic particles ranging from the size of a pencil eraser to a mere nanometer, pose a significant threat to global health and the environment. With nearly 460 million metric tons of plastic produced annually, this figure is expected to nearly triple by 2060. These minute particles have infiltrated the most remote locations on Earth through airborne pollution. The prevalence of microplastics in our environment raises concerns about the potential health risks they pose, especially to individuals of lower socioeconomic status, those living in low- and middle-income countries, and people engaged in certain professions more prone to exposure.
Microplastics are not only abundant in our oceans and waterways, contaminating the fish and seafood we consume but are also pervasive in the air we breathe. The average consumer faces exposure risks due to the ubiquity of these materials, which are difficult to measure because of the varying chemicals that accompany them. The long-standing damage caused by microplastics is irreversible as they cannot be removed from our atmosphere, oceans, or soil. This pervasive presence is exacerbated by the American food system's reliance on plastic packaging.
The health implications of microplastics are alarming. They have been linked to impaired lung function and an increased risk of lung cancer. A recent comprehensive review of nearly 3,000 studies provides a troubling snapshot of how microplastics impact digestive, reproductive, and respiratory health. This review underscores the urgent need for regulatory bodies and individuals to take action to mitigate microplastic exposure.
The review calls for legislative measures that make non-synthetic textiles and products more affordable and accessible to consumers as an effective way to reduce exposure. Wildfire smoke represents another common avenue through which people inhale microplastics. According to experts, failure to respond to microplastic exposure could have devastating consequences over the next 20 to 30 years.
“The most important part is getting people engaged to really ask questions, regardless of where you are in the world,” – Chartres
Experts like Chartres emphasize the importance of global engagement in addressing the microplastic crisis. He advocates for banning the use of plastics for non-essential purposes as a viable strategy to reduce exposure.
“Ban the use of plastics for nonessential use is one way [to reduce microplastic exposure],” – Chartres
There is a call for governments to examine data from studies on microplastics thoroughly and establish sufficient regulations.
“Demand that governments examine the data from these studies to [inform] sufficient regulations is another.” – Chartres
Chartres highlights that while it may be impossible to halt plastic production entirely, there is still an opportunity for timely action.
“We can’t ‘turn the tap off’ when it comes to plastic production, but the ‘overwhelming message, globally, is that there is the ability to take timely action now,” – Chartres
Drawing parallels with past successful regulation of industries like tobacco, Chartres underscores that governments can and should respond when the relationship between products and chemicals becomes evident.
“Successful regulation of industries like tobacco shows that governments will respond when it comes to the relationship between products and chemicals,” – Chartres
Julia provides insight into the composition of microplastics, noting that they contain not only plastic polymers but also various added chemicals.
“Microplastics contain not only plastic polymer itself, but also chemicals that have been added to the plastics,” – Julia
She notes that these added chemicals likely alter toxicity and exposure levels, though research remains insufficient to draw firm conclusions.
“Those probably change the toxicity and the exposure level, but we just are not far enough along in the research to be able to draw conclusions.” – Julia
Chartres further elaborates on the known health effects associated with microplastics.
“We understand there are digestive, respiratory, and reproductive effects [from microplastics],” – Chartres
He explains how microplastics enter our bodies through inhalation, seafood consumption, and water intake.
“When we inhale, or consume seafood, or drink water, these microplastics enter our body, our respiratory system, our digestive tract.” – Chartres
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