We’re More Similar to Plastic Than You Think: Harms of Microplastics in the Human Body

Image Citation: [7]

Written by Elena Lynott ‘27

Edited by Josue Navarro ‘25

Plastic pollution has long been a catastrophic environmental problem, harming both land and marine ecosystems. This is not just an issue in regards to natural environments; plastic pollution is increasingly becoming a public health problem. Because humans interact with plastics on a daily basis, several human health problems, some of which include cardiovascular disease and the spread of lymphoma and other cancers, develop as a result of microplastic and nanoplastic intake.

Micro and nano plastics can enter the human body through a wide variety of paths. For instance, plastic particles can be inhaled from the production of rubber and other plastic products (1). Additionally, fragmentation of plastics can be incorporated into water, soil and agriculture. Because of this, plastics can be consumed by marine animals and subsequently by humans (1). Plastic consumption, whether it be through inhalation, ingestion, or general exposure, is unavoidable in modern society. Once in human systems, plastic particles interfere with bodily systems by damaging cells, and, subsequently, tissues and organs.

In general, plastics disrupt cell structures, causing immense damage to bodily processes necessary for proper human functioning. One way in which micro and nano plastics aggregate in humans is the formation of carotid artery plaques. When ingested into our bodies, plastic particles go into the bloodstream alongside other microparticles such as cells, bacteria, and viruses. Carotid artery plaques contribute to cardiovascular disease, along with strokes and transient ischemic attacks as clumps of cells and fats build up and block blood flow (2). In a recent study, microplastic particles of polyethylene were found in carotid artery plaques of 257 patients (8). When compared to healthy patients, individuals with micro and nano plastics in their plaques were at a significantly higher risk of heart attack, stroke, and death due to cardiovascular disease (3).

Along with blockages in the bloodstream, plastic particles can cause blockages in intestines, interfering with organ functions (4). Plastics are constantly being built up in our systems and are affecting nearly every facet of the human body. In particular, the gastrointestinal (GI) tract organs are major targets for micro and nano plastic accumulations as the GI tract is most readily exposed to micro and nano plastics through ingestion. In tissues throughout this tract, uptake of plastic particles is common (5). When cells uptake micro and nano plastic particles, they also divide with those particles, so plastics continuously accumulate in the intestines. Due to the fact that micro and nano plastics are readily taken up into cells in the GI tract, cell division with plastic-containing cells contributes to cancer development as plastic particles intensify the resistance of cancerous cells (5). The microplastics polyethylene, polypropylene, and polyethylene terephthalate have all been identified in cancerous colon cells (5).

There is still hope for reducing microplastic and nanoplastic pollution and infiltration in our lives. Similar to methods for reducing regular plastic pollution, avoiding single use plastic products and recycling appropriately reduces the release of microplastics from plastic degradation. Here in Providence, there are currently six recycling centers which collect and sort paper, plastics, metals, glass, and electronics (8). Aluminum & Copper Recycling Inc, Rhode Island Recycled Metals, Metal Services LLC, Ocean State Metals, and RI Recycled Metals LLC are recycling centers specifically for metal products. Remix Organics Co accepts a variety of recyclable materials including paper, plastic, glass, electronic and organic products. Eliminating clothing made with synthetic plastics - and opting for materials like cotton - from your wardrobe will also lower microplastic fiber production and release (6). Another easy method of reducing your own micro and nano plastic intake is by stopping the use of cosmetics made with plastics as these products promote absorption of nanoplastics (creams, lotions, washes, makeup products) and even ingestion (toothpaste) (6). Some brands that are dedicated to the reduction of microplastics in products and can be found in drug stores include Weleda and Honest, both of which produce body care products (9). Plastic contamination is a huge problem to ecosystems and human biomes. The negative health impacts of micro and nano plastics need to be combatted immediately before damage to our bodily systems is beyond repair.

 References

1. Prüst M, Meijer J, Westerink RHS. The plastic brain: neurotoxicity of micro- and nanoplastics. Particle and Fibre Toxicology. 2020 Jun 8;17(1).

2. Mayo Clinic. Carotid artery disease - Symptoms and causes [Internet]. Mayo Clinic. 2018. Available from: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/carotid-artery-disease/symptoms-causes/syc-20360519

3. ‌Niccolai E, Ilaria Colzi, Amedeo Amedei. Adverse Effects of Micro- and Nanoplastics on Humans and the Environment. International Journal of Molecular Sciences [Internet]. 2023 Oct 31 [cited 2024 Mar 5];24(21):15822–2. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10647433/#:~:text=Collectively%2C%20cellular%20and%20animal%20experiments

4. ‌Raffaele Marfella, Prattichizzo F, Celestino Sardu, Fulgenzi G, Graciotti L, Spadoni T, et al. Microplastics and Nanoplastics in Atheromas and Cardiovascular Events. The New England Journal of Medicine [Internet]. 2024 Mar 7;390(10):900–10. Available from: https://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMoa2309822

5. ‌Brynzak-Schreiber E, Schögl E, Bapp C, Cseh K, Kopatz V, Jakupec MA, et al. Microplastics role in cell migration and distribution during cancer cell division. Chemosphere [Internet]. 2024 Apr 1 [cited 2024 Apr 4];353:141463. Available from: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0045653524003564

6. ‌McCarthy J. 5 Easy Ways You Can Avoid Microplastics in Your Everyday Life [Internet]. Global Citizen. 2021. Available from: https://www.globalcitizen.org/en/content/microplastics-how-to-avoid-reduce/

7. Oceanic N, Administration A. Science Made Simple: What Are Microplastics? [Internet]. SciTechDaily. 2022. Available from: https://scitechdaily.com/science-made-simple-what-are-microplastics/

8. 1.Corliss J. Microplastics in arteries linked to heart disease risk [Internet]. Harvard Health. 2024. Available from: https://www.health.harvard.edu/heart-health/microplastics-in-arteries-linked-to-heart-disease-risk

9. 1.Eden HV. Cosmetics without microplastics - the “no list” and the most beautiful brands [Internet]. Haus von Eden. 2020. Available from: https://www.hausvoneden.com/lifestyle/cosmetics-without-microplastics-the-best-natural-cosmetics-brands/