Microplastics are an invisible threat that has come to the forefront of public awareness in recent years. While it appears to be something ubiquitous, the potential consequences for our health often not immediately recognizable. These small plastic particles are not only found in our environment, but also in food and our drinking water.
But what exactly is microplastic? They are tiny pieces of plastic that have either been intentionally added to products or are the result of the decomposition of larger pieces of plastic. The main sources include cosmetics, textiles and packaging waste that decompose in nature.
In this article, we will discuss the dreaded effects of microplastics on human health. health explore the underlying mechanisms and discuss various measures to reduce this problem.
Microplastics and the health
Microplastics can be found in many environments and also find their way into our bodies. These tiny particles can enter the human body via the food chain, particularly through fish that eat microplastics. They can also enter the lungs when inhaled and potentially cause inflammation.
A British study from 2022 shows that microplastics may trigger immune and stress reactions in the body. There are indications that it could also cause reproductive and developmental disorders. However, the health risks of microplastics have hardly been researched to date.
Known facts about microplastics:
- Routes of entry: Food chain, respiratory tract
- Health risks: Inflammation, immune reactions, possible reproductive disorders
- Need for examination: Effects on the body, toxicological studies
The majority of microplastics from the toothpaste is excreted in the stool, which means a large absorption by the stomach-intestine-tract is unlikely. Further research is urgently needed to better understand the effects as well as the absorption and degradation of microplastics in the body.
Introduction to microplastics
Microplastics are tiny plastic particles that are between 0.1 micrometers and 5 millimeters in size. They are either formed directly at this size (primary microplastics) or through the degradation of larger plastics (secondary microplastics). In October 2023, the EU restricted the use of microplastics in cosmetics. This includes a ban on loose glitter and synthetic microplastic particles.
Unfortunately, microplastics are difficult to biodegrade. Wastewater treatment plants cannot completely eliminate them, which means they spread in the environment. Frequent sources are tire abrasion, cosmetics and textile fibers. In Germany, the majority of microplastics come from tire abrasion.
Microplastics can be found in many foods and drinks and have even been detected in human and animal organs. This poses a potential health risk.
Main sources of microplastics
- Tire abrasion
- cosmetics
- Textile fibers
These invisible particles are omnipresent and make a conscious approach to plastic products all the more important. The new regulations are a step in the right direction, but there is still a lot to be done.
What is microplastic?
Definition and formation
Microplastics are plastic particles that are between 0.1 micrometers and 5 millimeters in size. These particles are also known as microplastics. The term microplastics was introduced in 2008. It describes the different shapes and sizes of plastic particles that occur in the environment.
Microplastics are divided into two categories: primary and secondary microplastics. Primary microplastics are produced in the desired size and are often found in cosmetics such as scrubs and shower gels. Secondary microplastics are created by the degradation of larger plastic parts. These synthetic polymer particles are organic, insoluble and difficult to break down. They therefore break down into smaller and smaller particles in the environment.
Sources of microplastics
The main source of microplastics is tire abrasion, which releases around 150,000 tons into the environment every year in Switzerland alone. Microplastics can come from primary sources, including raw materials for industry and household products such as cleaning agents and cosmetics.
Secondary microplastics come from the decomposition of larger plastic objects, such as plastic containers and textile microfibers. In addition to tire abrasion, clothing fibers and the primary microplastics used in many products, especially cosmetics, are common. Microplastics are spreading worldwide and have already been detected in food, beverages and human organs and tissues.
|
Main sources of microplastics |
Description of microplastics |
|---|---|
|
Tire abrasion |
Causes significant amounts of microplastics in the environment. |
|
Clothing fibers |
Formed during the washing of synthetic clothing. |
|
Cosmetics |
Often contain primary microplastics, e.g. in scrubs. |
The invisible particles are widespread and make a conscious approach to plastic all the more important. Regulating and limiting such particles is crucial for health and environmental protection measures.
Definition and origin
Definition and formation of microplastics
Microplastics were first defined in 2008 and describe plastic particles that are between 0.1 micrometres and 5 millimetres in size. These tiny particles are also known as microplastics. Microplastics consist of synthetic polymer particles. They are organic, insoluble and very difficult to break down. Once released into the environment, they do not decompose but break down into smaller and smaller particles.
The mass production of plastic began after the Second World War. This led to a sharp increase in the use and spread of plastics in many areas. Today, microplastics can be found in various products, including many cosmetics.
Size comparison of microplastics:
|
Size |
Comparison |
|---|---|
|
0.1 micrometer |
Very tiny |
|
5 millimeters |
Length of a red ant |
These plastic particles come from a variety of plastics and are a major topic in the debate on environmental and health issues.
Effects of microplastics on the environment
Microplastics, tiny plastic particles, affect our environment in many ways. They can be produced as primary microplastics in cosmetics or as secondary microplastics through the decomposition of larger plastics. These particles find their way into nature via various routes and have harmful effects on ecosystems and humans.
Microplastics in water
Microplastics are found in our waters all over the world. It is often created by the decomposition of plastic products. These particles end up in the water via sewers, industrial wastewater and rainfall. water. Sewage treatment plants can retain around 95 percent of microplastics, but the rest often ends up in sewage sludge, which is used as fertilizer. Packaged water often contains more microplastics than tap water.
Microplastics in the soil
Microplastics play a bigger role in the soil than you might think. The use of sewage sludge as a fertilizer in particular releases these particles into the soil. Tire abrasion and textile waste also contribute to soil contamination by microplastics. Experts consider the contamination of the soil to be more worrying than that of the oceans, as this is where the majority of the particles end up.
Microplastics in the air
Microplastic particles also end up in the air. Due to their small size and density, they can travel long distances with the wind. Studies show significant air pollution, for example in cities such as Tehran. People inhale thousands of these particles every year, which could potentially increase their health endangers their health. Sources such as abrasion from car tires contribute to the spread of microplastics in the air we breathe.
The widespread presence of microplastics shows that we need to actively tackle the pollution of our environment. Each of these sources contributes to the release of microplastics into natural systems and our health endanger our health. A rethink of plastic use and better disposal systems are needed to minimize the impact.
Microplastics in food and drinking water
Microplastics are now frequently found in our food and drinking water. It is known that these tiny plastic particles find their way into our food in various ways. However, the exact quantity and composition of microplastics in food is still unclear. Researchers are concerned about the potential health risks, especially in the digestive system. Studies show that microplastics in the body can affect the gut microbiome. These changes could be linked to metabolic diseases such as diabetes and obesity. Microplastics are not only found in foods such as shellfish and honeybut also in drinking water and in the air. As a result, it can easily enter our food cycle.
Proven occurrences
Microplastics are a global problem and can be found in many environmental spheres. It has been found in soils, waterair and even in ice. A 2015 study estimates that around 8 million tons of plastic entered the oceans in 2010. This resulted in secondary microplastics. Interestingly, around 80 percent of these particles originally came from inland areas. While drinking water from groundwater and surface water usually only has low concentrations of microplastics, bottled water more microplastics were found in bottled water. There are also traces of microplastics in deep-sea sediments and agricultural soils. These facts show that our environment is extensively contaminated.
Risks for human health health
The potential health risks of microplastics are not yet fully understood. However, there are indications that microplastics could be harmful. The detection of microplastics is complex. Different methods often lead to different results. Therefore, data on our exposure is limited. Current studies suggest that microplastics may affect the health could affect our health. However, we still know little about the specific effects. Urgently needed research should reveal more about possible cell changes and causes of cancer. More comprehensive studies could help to paint a clearer picture and identify specific risks.
|
Occurrence |
Place |
|---|---|
|
Foodstuffs |
Mussels, honey |
|
Drinking water |
Bottled and in groundwater |
|
Air |
Affects the food chain |
|
Environment |
Soil, waterdeep sea |
In summary, there are still many unanswered questions about microplastics and the health. Researchers are working to learn more about these small particles and their effects on our bodies. Until then, it remains important to minimize possible contamination and continue research.
Health risks of microplastics
Microplastics are a growing issue. There is evidence that it can be harmful to humans. However, there are still insufficient studies to determine the exact risks. Microplastics can enter the body, as findings in stool samples show. This indicates an uptake in the stomach-intestine-tract. In the body, these particles can cause inflammation and accumulate in organs such as intestines and liver. Some plastics, such as BPA, are associated with hormonal changes. This could pose a health risk. Microplastics can also bind pollutants, which then enter the body through food. These pollutants could be more dangerous than the plastic itself.
Crossing the blood-brain barrier
There is currently no evidence that microplastics can cross the blood-brain barrier. The WHO therefore sees no health risk from microplastics in drinking water. Nevertheless, there is much debate about the health effects. Scientists do not always agree on this. Sometimes the dangers are seen as exaggerated. However, there is a trend in society towards a more sensitive approach to the issue of microplastics.
Possible chronic diseases
Microplastics could change the composition of the gut-microbiome. This is associated with metabolic diseases such as diabetes and obesity. Chronically ill people are particularly susceptible to negative effects. Changes in the stomach-Intestine-tract can increase their health risk. There is evidence that nanoplastic particles influence biochemical processes that are involved in the development of cancer. Studies show that microplastics in the stomach-intestine-tract can promote inflammation and immune reactions. Despite these indications, research into the toxicology of microplastics is still incomplete. There is a need for further studies to gain a clearer picture.
Measures to reduce microplastics
Microplastics are a growing problem in our environment. To reduce pollution, consumers can avoid products that contain microplastics. Particular attention should be paid to cleaning and cosmetic products such as toothpastes and scrubs. It also helps to buy high-quality clothing made from natural materials. This reduces the microplastic input from plastic textiles.
A careful driving style and the use of public transport reduce tire abrasion. This is an important source of microplastics. When making purchasing decisions, you can use environmental labels such as the Austrian Ecolabel or the "Blue Angel" as a guide. In Germany, disposable plastic articles have no longer been permitted since 2021. This is intended to minimize the amount of microplastics in the environment.
Political initiatives
There are many projects and laws within the EU to reduce the production of microplastics. New regulations have been in force in Germany since July 3, 2021. These prohibit the sale of disposable plastic items such as cotton buds, cutlery and drinking straws. To-go drinks cups and fast food packaging made from polystyrene will also be banned.
For more information on the EU Plastics Strategy, you can visit the website of the Federal Ministry for Climate Action. AGES also checks animal feed for banned plastic parts within the EU.
Behavioral changes in everyday life
Microplastics are present in many environments, such as lakes, rivers and the sea. Knowledge about this can promote behavioral changes in everyday life. The consumption of food contaminated with microplastics can have health consequences. Studies show that microplastics can alter the intestinal microbiome. This could lead to metabolic disorders.
Microplastics are also found in animals, which can lead to inflammatory reactions. People could therefore review their eating habits. The ubiquitous presence of microplastics makes it necessary to reflect on personal consumption habits. Changes in plastic use and recycling behavior are crucial.
The role of industry and companies
The industry is under pressure from consumers and politicians to drive forward the reduction of microplastics in products such as scrubs and toothpastes. A survey by the Fraunhofer Institute shows that laypeople often see consumers as the main culprits. Experts, on the other hand, see product developers as primarily responsible. Many manufacturers are reluctant to withdraw from microplastic production, although the problem remains clear due to their use in cleaning products, cosmetics and as tire abrasion. These plastics attract environmental toxins and pose a risk to health and the environment.
Measures taken by cosmetics manufacturers
Some cosmetics manufacturers have stopped the use of microplastics, especially in the form of microbeads. However, microplastics in dissolved form remain problematic. Despite announcements by many companies to avoid microplastics, there are still hundreds of such products on the German market. The German government is hoping for voluntary measures from the industry by 2020, which has been criticized by the Greens. This strategy is intended to reduce microplastics, but the opposite could be the case. In the USA, the use of microplastics in cosmetics has been banned since 2017, which shows that stricter regulations are possible.
Responsibility of manufacturers and retailers
Manufacturers have a responsibility to follow strict regulations on plastic use in order to reduce the health protection. Plastics in packaging can jeopardize food safety. A 2022 study shows that microplastics are everywhere in the environment, highlighting the responsibility of manufacturers to minimize this contamination. The industry has responded to pressure and reduced microplastics in cosmetics. Natural cosmetic products do not usually contain microplastics. When using soft phthalates in food packaging, manufacturers must ensure that the harmful substances are not transferred to the contents.
Current research on microplastics
Researchers at the University of Amsterdam have discovered microplastics in human blood. Particles such as PET and polystyrene were detected in 17 out of 22 blood donations. Microplastics enter the body via food and air. It was found in organs such as the cardiovascular and digestive systems. Despite these findings, there are still many gaps in our knowledge. The exact quantities and health consequences are unclear. It is suspected that microplastics can cause inflammation. However, the effects on the health are not yet fully understood. High concentrations have been found in the lungs in particular.
Long-term health effects
Long-term studies on the health risks of microplastics are still lacking. The new findings of microplastics in the blood raise many questions. These particles could become lodged in organs and penetrate immune cells. This poses potential health risks. Microplastics in the digestive tract can cause inflammation in the intestines and in the liver. Experiments on mice show that microplastics can influence the behavior and fertility behavior and fertility. However, the transferability to humans is unclear. Experts see microplastics as a new risk factor for vascular diseases.
Future prospects for research
Research is focusing on microplastics and nanoplastics in the digestive system. Microplastics in the intestinal microbiome could cause metabolic diseases such as diabetes promote. New analytical methods are being developed to better detect microplastics in food. There are indications that even everyday foods such as sugar, milk and honey contain microplastics. Research is investigating how microplastics get into food. Possibilities include air, soil, preparation or packaging. Scientists are working to determine these pathways more precisely.
In summary, it can be said that microplastics are a growing field of research. There are many unanswered questions about healththat urgently need to be answered.
Conclusion and outlook
Microplastics are a growing problem. These tiny particles are found in our oceans, rivers and even in our food. They pose a potential threat to human health. health health. Scientists have found microplastics in many foods and in the human body. This raises concerns and requires further research. Although the exact health effects are still unclear, the presence of the particles indicates a possible risk factor.
Importance of awareness
It is crucial to raise awareness of microplastics and their impact. The particles are so small that fish often mistake them for plankton. This leads to an accumulation in the food chain. Studies show that microplastics are present in almost all human organs, but the consequences remain partially unexplained. Although it is known that microplastics in the gut we need to know more about what this means for our health. health means for our health. The BMK's Microplastics Action Plan underlines the need to deepen our knowledge.
The need for targeted measures
Targeted measures are needed to reduce microplastic pollution. There are indications that microplastics could be harmful to health, even if the exact health risks are still unknown. Different shapes and sizes of particles make it difficult to clarify these risks. It is important to develop and promote strategies to reduce exposure. Consumers should look for products without microplastics and choose environmentally friendly alternatives. By choosing such products, overall exposure can be reduced. Important biological samples, such as breast milk and blood, are already contaminated, which increases the urgency of further research.
What is microplastic and where does it come from?
Microplastics are tiny plastic particles, smaller than five millimeters. They are primary or secondary. Primary microplastics are found in products such as cosmetics, toothpastes and hand soaps.
Sources of microplastics:
- Primary:
-
- Cosmetics
- Toothpastes
- Hand soaps
- Secondary:
-
- Tire abrasion
- Decomposition of plastic waste
- Washing processes of synthetic textiles
Secondary microplastics are created by the decomposition of larger plastic parts in the environment. The most common microplastic contaminants come from tire abrasion, plastic waste and the use of synthetic textiles.
Microplastics spread globally. It is detected in soils, sediments, air and oceans. Human activities cause microplastics to enter the environment. These include the use of cosmetics, household cleaners, waste and industrial processes.
These tiny particles endanger the health of humans and the environment as they can enter food and water chains. It is important to be aware of their impact and take measures to reduce their presence.
Where do microplastics occur and how do humans ingest them?
Microplastics are ubiquitous. It is found in soils, sediments, plants, animals, air and water. People ingest microplastics in two main ways: through the respiratory tract and the stomach-gut-tract. Inhalation can occur both outdoors and indoors. Microplastics are also present in food and drinks.
Researchers have discovered microplastics in various human organs. These include the cardiovascular system, digestive organs, respiratory tract and reproductive organs. These particles can be absorbed differently depending on their size, chemical composition and surface charge.
There is some evidence of health effects. For example, microplastic particles could cause inflammatory reactions in the body. However, most of the findings to date come from in vitro studies. The exact effects on the human body health have not yet been fully researched. Further studies are needed to gain more clarity.
Possible health risks of microplastics
- Inflammatory reactions
- Effects on organ systems (digestive, respiratory, cardiovascular, reproductive system)
This list shows which areas of the health could be affected by microplastics, but further research is urgently needed.
0 Comments