You might not see them, but they’re everywhere–in your shampoo, your takeout box, even the clothing you wear. Microplastics are tiny plastic particles, less than 5 millimeters in size, that originate from the breakdown of larger plastics or are manufactured intentionally for use in products like cosmetics and cleaning supplies. According to the National Institute of Health, these synthetic fragments don’t biodegrade easily. Instead, they persist in our environments, gradually infiltrating ecosystems and eventually, our bodies.
Furthermore, according to the Stanford Report, a staggering 10 to 40 million metric tons of microplastics enter the environment every year. Even more alarming: scientists estimate that adults ingest roughly one credit card’s worth of plastic every week. These tiny plastic particles are showing up in the water we drink, the air we breathe, and the food we eat.
While microplastics are already a concern, nanoplastics–even smaller fragments under 0.001 millimeters–pose an even greater threat. Their size allows them to be intracellular, enabling them to penetrate human cells. This leads to more severe biological effects–unlike larger particles, nanoplastics can bypass the body’s defense mechanisms and reach the bloodstream, organs, and even the brain.
How Do They Get To Us?
Microplastics primarily come from:
- Bottled water and plastic food packaging
- Synthetic clothing fibers that shed during washing
- Cosmetics and toothpaste containing microbeads
- Plastic cookware and utensils
- Degraded plastic waste in landfills and oceans
Marine animals ingest these plastics, mistaking them for food. As larger fish eat smaller ones, microplastics accumulate in the food chain, eventually landing on your dinner plate. To make matters worse, over 100,000 marine animals die from plastic pollution and ingestion every year.
Health Risks of Microplastics
Exposure to microplastics can lead to:
- Respiratory issues (coughing, sneezing, shortness of breath from ingestion)
- Oxidative stress that damages cells
- Digestive problems (bloating, pain, inflammation)
- Neurotoxicity
- Fatigue and dizziness due to low blood oxygen
- Reproductive toxicity
- Carcinogenic risks due to chemical additives
- Disrupted metabolism and hormone imbalance
What Can We Do?
We have the power to cut back on our microplastic exposure and use, preserving not only our health but also the environment and other animals.
- Cut back on bottled water (bottled water contains more microplastics than tap water)
- Use glass or stainless steel food containers instead of plastic
- Avoid nonstick and plastic cookware, which can degrade and release particles at high heat
- Wear clothes made of natural fibers like cotton, hemp or wool
- Use foil instead of plastic wrap
- Opt for natural cosmetics and avoid products listing “polyethylene” or “microbeads”
Microplastics may be tiny, but their cumulative adverse effects are immense. As plastic usage is becoming increasingly prominent, it’s crucial to understand how our everyday habits affect both our health and the environment. By making small changes in how we consume materials, we can protect not only ourselves but also the planet.
