Microplastics: A Hidden Danger in Our Lives and Bodies
Here is an extract of my upcoming book on managing symptoms and overcoming IBS:
“Microplastics (<5 millimetres)
Commonly found in plastics and food packaging, these well-studied endocrine disruptors can interfere with gut microbiota and gut-brain signalling, potentially worsening IBS.
Research shows that microplastics (MPs) are involved in the pathogenesis of IBD and can accumulate in the liver and kidneys.80 However, compelling evidence demonstrates that MPs mainly accumulate in the gut and cause intestinal inflammation and metabolic disruption (may decrease energy reserves).
Typically, fish can contain six microplastic particles per gram (of muscle), tap water up to sixty-one particles per litre, which seems little compared to bottled water with over six thousand particles per litre and table salt with over thirteen thousand particles per kilogram. MPs have been found in beverages, beer, milk, tea (leaching from tea bags), packaged food, sugar, honey, vegetables, and fruits.
So far, we don’t know the long-term exposure and cumulative effects of MPs on human health or their biological effects when combined with other pollutants. Every piece of research points out chronic inflammation as an endpoint. Thus far we know that after immediate dietary intake, the contaminants may cause acute abdominal pain or diarrhoea, activating immediate intestinal inflammation and exacerbating IBS symptoms.
“We urgently need to know more about the health impact of microplastics because they are everywhere – including in our drinking water.”[1]
The WHO called for more research into microplastics and a crackdown on plastic pollution; however, they recently published a report (2019) concluding that microplastics in drinking water did not threaten human health, sending several mixed messages.[2]
In recent years, research has shown that microplastics — tiny plastic particles smaller than 5 millimetres (mm) — have invaded every corner of our world, from the oceans to our drinking water, and even our bodies. While plastic has revolutionised society since its introduction in the mid-20th century, it’s now clear that the widespread use and disposal of plastic materials come at a cost: our health.
Understanding where microplastics come from, how they enter our bodies, and what we can do to reduce exposure is essential for protecting ourselves and future generations.
What Are Microplastics and Where Do They Come From?
Microplastics come from larger plastic items breaking down into smaller fragments, and products intentionally designed with microplastics, such as exfoliating scrubs, synthetic clothing fibres, and even tyres. These particles are everywhere:
In our water:
Microplastics have been found in tap water, bottled water, and even tea (in their millions!!!). A report from the World Health Organization (WHO) in 2019 downplayed the health risks of microplastics in drinking water. However, new research has shown these particles are making their way into various organs and systems within our bodies.
In the air we breathe:
Microplastics float in the air, especially indoors where synthetic fibres from clothing, carpets, and other materials are constantly being shed.
In our food:
Fish, shellfish, and even fresh produce have been found to contain microplastics, often as a result of pollution in our oceans and soils.
While we are exposed to microplastics daily, recent studies have shown that these particles may harm human health, particularly in vital organs such as the lungs, kidneys, liver, bladder and testes.
How Microplastics Enter Our Bodies
Microplastics enter our bodies through three main pathways:
Ingestion:
When we drink water, eat fish, or even brew a cup of tea with plastic tea bags, microplastics can enter our digestive system. According to the WHO, people who rely on bottled water may ingest up to 90,000 microplastic particles annually, compared to about 4,000 particles from tap water.
Inhalation:
Microplastic particles are present in the air around us, coming from sources such as synthetic textiles, building materials, and incinerated waste. These particles can enter the lungs, where they may cause inflammation and, over time, lead to respiratory issues.
Dermal Absorption:
Although less studied, some evidence suggests microplastics could enter the body through the skin, particularly through wounds, hair follicles, or sweat glands.
Microplastics Inside Our Bodies: What Does Research Show?
Researchers found that microplastics pass through our digestive systems and accumulate in our tissues and organs, including the urinary tract. This raises concerns about how these plastic particles may impact our health:
Inflammation and Immune Response:
When we ingest or inhale microplastics, they can trigger an immune response, leading to inflammation in the affected tissues. This has been linked to conditions such as chronic kidney disease and urinary tract infections.
Toxic Effects:
Microplastics can carry harmful chemicals like bisphenol A (BPA) and phthalates, which are known to disrupt hormonal balance and may even contribute to conditions like bladder cancer.
Potential Role in Disease:
Studies on animals have shown that microplastics can alter cellular metabolism and reduce cell viability. There are concerns that microplastics could increase the risk of bladder diseases, chronic kidney issues, and even cardiovascular problems, as these particles can migrate into different organs.
Microplastics pose significant risks to human health, with potential impacts on almost every major organ system. Here’s what the research reveals:
Microplastics and the Urinary Tract: A Growing Concern
The presence of microplastics in the urinary tract is particularly worrying. Studies have shown that these particles may cause direct damage to kidney and bladder cells, reducing their ability to function properly. For example, polystyrene microplastics have been found to increase oxidative stress, which can contribute to kidney damage and inflammation, conditions that may lead to chronic kidney disease or bladder dysfunction.
Furthermore, there is emerging evidence that microplastics could facilitate infections by carrying harmful microbes into the urinary tract, increasing the likelihood of recurrent urinary tract infections (UTIs).
MNPs and Health
— Microplastics and Gut Health
Gut Microbiota Disruption:
Microplastics can disrupt the balance of beneficial bacteria in the gut, leading to gut dysbiosis. This imbalance is linked to digestive issues and inflammatory conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and Crohn’s disease.
Increased Intestinal Permeability:
Microplastics can damage the gut lining, allowing toxins and particles to pass into the bloodstream, causing systemic inflammation and increasing the risk of metabolic disorders and autoimmune diseases.
— Neurodegenerative Risks
Crossing the Blood-Brain Barrier:
Nanoplastics have been found to cross the blood-brain barrier, exposing the brain to harmful chemicals that can cause oxidative stress and inflammation, increasing the risk of Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson’s disease.
Neural Damage:
Microplastics can disrupt cellular processes in the brain, leading to long-term cognitive impairment and neurodegeneration.
— Reproductive Health and Microplastics
Microplastics in the Placenta and Foetus
Microplastics have been detected in the human placenta, suggesting that they could reach the foetus and potentially affect foetal development.
Vaginal Inflammation and Cancer Risk
Microplastics from feminine hygiene products can disrupt the vaginal microbiota, causing chronic inflammation and increasing the risk of infections and conditions like vaginitis.
Chemicals in microplastics, such as BPA and phthalates, can mimic estrogen, disrupting hormonal balance and increasing the risk of vaginal, cervical, and uterine cancers.
Microplastics in Semen
Microplastics have been found in human semen, and studies show that they may decrease sperm quality by reducing sperm count, motility, and morphology, potentially leading to male infertility.
— Microplastics as Obesogens
Microplastics act as obesogens, chemicals that disrupt hormonal pathways regulating fat storage and metabolism. This can lead to weight gain, insulin resistance, and an increased risk of type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease. Here's how they work:
Endocrine Disruption:
Microplastics often contain chemicals like BPA and phthalates, which interfere with the body's hormonal systems, particularly those involved in regulating metabolism and fat storage. These chemicals can alter the function of adipocytes (fat cells), leading to increased fat accumulation.
Impact on Metabolism:
Exposure to microplastics may alter the balance of hormones that control hunger and energy use, including leptin and insulin, which are crucial in preventing overeating and maintaining metabolic balance.
— Bladder and Kidney Health
Microplastics have been shown to cause inflammation in the bladder and kidneys, contributing to bladder dysfunction, chronic urinary tract infections (UTIs), and even bladder cancer.
— Cardiovascular Health
Studies have found microplastics in human blood, suggesting that they could contribute to atherosclerosis, increasing the risk of heart attacks and strokes.
— Respiratory Risks
Indoor and outdoor air is contaminated with microplastics, and inhalation of these particles can cause lung inflammation, contributing to conditions like asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
— Immunotoxicity
Microplastics impair immune function, reducing the body’s ability to fight off infections and increasing the risk of chronic inflammatory diseases.
Microplastics and Testicular Accumulation
Animal Studies:
Studies have shown that microplastics, particularly polystyrene particles, can accumulate in reproductive organs such as the testes. In these experiments, microplastics were found to cross biological barriers, including the blood-testis barrier, which is usually protective of the reproductive system. Microplastics are also found in male semen.
Microplastics were shown to induce oxidative stress in testicular tissue, which can lead to cellular damage.
Microplastics in the testes are associated with impaired spermatogenesis (sperm production), potentially leading to reduced sperm count and quality.
Microplastics may interfere with the endocrine system, disrupting hormone production and regulation, and playing a disastrous role in reproductive health.
Human Implications:
While direct evidence of microplastic accumulation in human testes is still limited, the findings from animal studies are concerning. The ability of microplastics to pass through critical biological barriers in animals suggests that similar effects could occur in humans, particularly with long-term exposure.
Potential Reproductive Health Effects:
Given that microplastics can carry harmful chemicals like phthalates and bisphenol A (BPA), which are known endocrine disruptors, their accumulation in reproductive organs could contribute to:
Reduced Fertility: By affecting sperm production and quality, microplastic exposure may increase the risk of infertility.
Testicular Cancer: Chronic inflammation and oxidative stress, both linked to microplastic accumulation, may elevate the risk of testicular cancer.
Microplastic accumulation in arterial plaques
Several studies have shown that microplastics and nanoplastics (MNPs) enter the human body through ingestion, inhalation, and skin exposure, interacting with tissues and organs. Micro- and nanoplastics (MNPs) have been found in selected human tissues, such as the placenta, lungs, and liver, as well as in breast milk, urine, and blood. Recent studies performed in preclinical models suggest MNPs as a new risk factor for cardiovascular diseases. Data from in vitro studies suggest that specific MNPs promote oxidative stress, inflammation, and apoptosis in endothelial and other vascular cells.
“Patients with carotid artery plaque in which MNPs were detected had a higher risk of a composite of myocardial infarction, stroke, or death from any cause at 34 months of follow-up than those in whom MNPs were not detected.” (Raffaele Marfella. et al. 2024)
How Microplastics May Contribute to NAFLD:
Endocrine Disruption and Liver Function:
Bisphenol A (BPA), phthalates, and other chemicals associated with microplastics are known endocrine disruptors. These chemicals interfere with hormone regulation and metabolic processes. Because the liver plays a crucial role in metabolising fats and hormones, this disruption may lead to abnormal fat accumulation in liver cells, contributing to steatosis, a hallmark of NAFLD.
Endocrine disruptors can also lead to insulin resistance, which is strongly associated with the development of NAFLD. Insulin resistance promotes the storage of fat in the liver, exacerbating the disease.
Oxidative Stress and Inflammation:
Oxidative stress is one of the primary mechanisms through which microplastics cause harm. When microplastic particles accumulate in the liver, they can induce the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS), which leads to oxidative stress. This process damages liver cells, causing inflammation and promoting the progression from simple fatty liver to non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), an advanced form of NAFLD.
Chronic inflammation triggered by microplastics can accelerate liver fibrosis (scarring of the liver), which worsens the disease and may eventually lead to cirrhosis or liver cancer.
Disruption of Lipid Metabolism:
Microplastics may disrupt normal lipid metabolism, altering how fats are processed and stored in the body. Studies on animal models have shown that exposure to microplastics can impair lipid metabolism in the liver, increasing lipid accumulation within liver cells (hepatocytes). This is a critical step in the development of NAFLD.
The presence of microplastics in the liver may affect gene expression related to lipid metabolism, potentially contributing to an imbalance in how fats are stored and broken down.
Gut-Liver Axis Disruption:
The gut-liver axis is the bidirectional relationship between gut health and liver function. When microplastics disrupt the gut microbiota, causing gut dysbiosis, this can lead to increased intestinal permeability (“leaky gut” syndrome). Toxins, including microplastic particles, can pass through the gut lining and enter the portal vein, which carries blood directly to the liver.
This can result in an increased toxic load on the liver, causing inflammation and liver damage, thereby contributing to the development or worsening of NAFLD.
Research on Microplastics and Liver Health:
Animal studies have shown that exposure to microplastics can cause hepatic steatosis (fatty liver) and impair normal liver function.
Studies have also demonstrated that nanoplastics can accumulate in liver tissue, inducing oxidative stress, inflammation, and metabolic disturbances — all factors associated with the progression of NAFLD.
With NAFLD already being one of the most common causes of chronic liver disease worldwide, especially in the context of rising obesity and metabolic disorders, the potential role of microplastics in exacerbating or triggering this condition raises important public health concerns. The cumulative effect of environmental factors, including microplastic exposure, adds complexity to preventing and treating NAFLD.
MNPs and Neurodegeneration
Recent research has raised concerns that microplastics may play a role in neurodegenerative diseases:
Crossing the Blood-Brain Barrier:
Animal studies have shown that nanoplastics are small enough to cross the blood-brain barrier, exposing the brain to harmful chemicals and toxins carried by microplastics.
Oxidative Stress and Inflammation:
Microplastics can cause oxidative stress and trigger chronic inflammation in neural tissues, which is linked to conditions like Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson’s disease.
Cellular Damage:
Nanoplastics may disrupt mitochondrial function and damage brain cells, potentially contributing to long-term cognitive decline and neurodegeneration.
Can microplastics cross the placenta?
One of the most alarming discoveries in recent years is the presence of microplastics in the placenta. Researchers have found that microplastics can cross the placental barrier, which means they could potentially reach the developing foetus:
Studies have detected microplastic particles in human placentas, raising concerns about the possible effects on foetal development. The placenta acts as a critical barrier to protect the baby from harmful substances, but microplastics' presence suggests this barrier is not entirely effective against them.
Although more research is needed, it’s possible that microplastics could interfere with the baby’s development in utero, potentially affecting growth, brain development, and future health outcomes.
Microplastics in the Reproductive System
Microplastics, especially from synthetic materials in feminine hygiene products, may pose a risk to vaginal health:
Vaginal Inflammation: Microplastic fibres found in sanitary pads, tampons, and other hygiene products can cause irritation and disrupt the vaginal microbiota, leading to vaginal inflammation or vaginitis.
Risk of Infections: Microplastics may also promote bacterial overgrowth, increasing the risk of infections such as bacterial vaginosis or yeast infections, which, if chronic, could lead to more severe reproductive health issues.
Reproductive Cancers
Microplastics and the chemicals they contain, such as bisphenol A (BPA) and phthalates, have been linked to hormonal imbalances:
Hormonal Disruption:
These endocrine-disrupting chemicals mimic estrogen and interfere with the body’s hormonal balance, potentially contributing to vaginal, cervical, and uterine cancers.
Chronic Inflammation and Carcinogenesis:
Chronic inflammation caused by microplastics in sensitive reproductive tissues could lead to cellular damage and increase cancer risk over time.
The Need for Policy Change and Further Research
The World Health Organization’s 2019 report concluded that microplastics in drinking water were not an immediate threat to human health. However, given the emerging evidence of microplastics accumulating in human tissues and their potential role in disease, it is time for organisations like WHO to re-evaluate their stance. International standardisation of microplastics definitions and measurement methods is needed for future research and policy development.
What Can We Do to Reduce Microplastic Exposure?
Reducing microplastic exposure starts with everyday actions that can make a big difference. Here’s what you can do to protect yourself and your family:
1. Limit Plastic Use in Your Daily Life
Opt for reusable glass or stainless steel flasks instead of plastic bottles or food containers. Avoid single-use plastic and plastic-wrapped food as much as possible.
Use natural fibre clothing like cotton, linen or wool to reduce the shedding of synthetic (petroleum) fibres.
Switch to biodegradable or paper tea bags. Better yet, use loose-leaf tea.
Use paper tape instead of plastic tape to seal cardboard/parcels.
Avoid cosmetics and personal care products that use plastic and microplastics (including female sanitary products), to minimise the effects of microplastics and dermal exposure.
2. Filter Your Water
Installing a high-quality water filtration system at home can help reduce the number of microplastics in tap water. Look for filters that specifically target microplastic particles.
3. Reduce Indoor Air Contamination
Regularly clean your home, especially carpets and upholstery, to remove phthalates- and microplastic-contaminated dust.
Consider using a HEPA air filter to help remove airborne microplastic particles from indoor air.
4. Eat Foods That Support Detoxification
Incorporate foods that naturally support the body’s detoxification processes. Brassicas (like broccoli and cauliflower), and berries are rich in antioxidants that help combat oxidative stress caused by toxins like microplastics.
Staying hydrated by drinking plenty of water also helps flush out harmful substances from your body and prevent their accumulation in the liver and the kidneys.
5. Support Environmental and Policy Changes
Advocate for policies that reduce plastic production and improve recycling methods. Governments and industries must be held accountable for reducing plastic waste and limiting microplastics in consumer products.
Empowering Ourselves for a Healthier Future
While the reality of microplastics in our bodies and environment is concerning, it’s not hopeless.
By making conscious choices daily and pushing for policy changes, we can reduce exposure and protect our health. This is especially important for future generations, as children are more vulnerable to the effects of microplastics due to their developing bodies and increased exposure to contaminated dust. They also ingest microplastics via breast milk.
Through awareness and action, we can combat this growing threat and build a healthier, plastic-conscious world.
Remember, it’s never too late to make changes that benefit your health, your family, and the planet.
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