Traces of Microplastics have been found in major human organs by a team of researchers at Arizona State University’s Biodesign Centre for Environmental Health and Engineering.
Led by Director Rolf Halden, the team has developed an online calculator that allows them to map human exposure to microplastics. By testing on cadavers, they have discovered microplastic fragments in the lungs, kidneys, spleen and liver. We have known that humans could inhale microplastics since a study conducted in the 1990s proved their presence. However, this is the first study that has linked plastic pollution with other major organs in the human body. Halden’s calculator allows researchers to convert the data on the microplastic fragments into an approximate surface area. Essentially, it will act as “an atlas of human pollution” and marks an impressive leap forward in the research surrounding microplastics and their potential human impact. However, there is still so much we do not know.
What are ‘microplastics’?
“This is a crisis we cannot underestimate, since eight million pieces of plastic are cast into our oceans every day.”
In fact, what constitutes as a microplastic particle remains up for debate. To date, the World Health Organisation (WHO) has yet to settle on an exact definition. They can “represent a diverse range of material types, shapes, colours and sizes”. That being said, they are understood to be pieces of plastic that are less than five millimetres. Microplastics tend to be divided into two categories: primary and secondary.
Primary particles tend to have been made deliberately small as part of commercial production. This would include cosmetics and other microfibres that are used in clothing. In contrast, secondary particles have broken down from larger plastic items over time and by the environment around them. This is where concerns over the disposal of plastic bottles, food packaging and sanitary products arise. Although they will eventually break down into the microplastics that we are speaking about, this is a process that can take hundreds, if not thousands of years. In the meantime, their presence in our oceans and landfills can pollute the environment around it. Not to mention, it can be extremely harmful to surrounding wildlife including various marine animals that consume the particles. This is a crisis we cannot underestimate, since eight million pieces of plastic are cast into our oceans every day.
Why should we be concerned?
Beyond the enormous poisoning of our planet and the suffering of the wildlife that live here, we still do not know how this affects humans. Dr. Fransien van Dijk from the University of Groningen conducted a study on the effects that microfibres have on human lung development. She presented the results of the study at the 2019 Plastic Health Summit. As part of her research, van Dijk dyed polyester and nylon microfibres red and tested their influence on different lung cell types. There was a clear reaction when the fibres were added, especially with the nylon.
The potential negative impact of microplastics on human health is being actively researched as a result of long term apprehension that inhaling microplastics could lead to health complications including: “diabetes and obesity to sexual dysfunction and infertility.” Since the CEO of the non-governmental organisation Plastic Pollution Coalition Dianna Cohen has estimated that humans “ingest about 5 grams of plastic per week” ,there is cause for concern. At least, cause for more research.
How do we avoid microplastics?
You can’t. The point is; microplastics are everywhere; in every decision. From what we choose to wear in the morning to when we refill our water bottles.
They are in the food we eat.
Researchers from the University of Exeter and Queensland purchased packaged oysters, prawns, squid, crabs and sardines and tested them for traces of microplastics. They discovered five different plastic types during the tests.
They are in the water we drink
According to Water UK, if drinking water goes untreated or unfiltered (known as raw water), we will find approximately 4.9 microplastics per litre. While raw water can impose a risk, it is important to mention that current treatment processes can effectively remove 99 per cent of microplastics from our drinking water.
“It seems it is a problem we have made and a problem we will have to live with.”
And even the air we breathe.
According to a study that analysed snow particles from the Arctic to the French Alps, a worrying level of “microplastic pollution” was found in the samples. Incredulously, the study in the Alps, amongst the other European study sites, recorded 24,600 microplastics per litre on average.
It seems it is a problem we have made and a problem we will have to live with. Cohen has even gone so far to say that “It’s impossible to completely protect ourselves from plastic ingestion”
Is there anything we can do?
There’s plenty! We might not be able to completely avoid microplastics, but we can try. We can reduce our use of them. A good first step is opting to use the reusable over the disposable. Pack those fabric tote bags, bring your ceramic mugs and cling to your mental straws like your life depends on them because it might. Shop at sustainable shops and buy unpackaged products when you can. Do the research. Donate to environmental organisations and microplastics research. Take Action.
Microplastics in human organs are not part of the natural process of our biology. Our bodies are becoming the atlas of the pollution we ourselves have created. But it is not a death sentence. It is a wake-up call. A sign that we are heading for uncharted territory, towards a destination we do not want to reach. It is time we changed course.
Environmental organisations you should consider following or donating to:
Rebecca Carey
Image courtesy of Nick Bordarev via pexels.
Rebecca Carey
NCTJ student, previously International Relations with European Languages at the University of Dundee. Lover of books, intersectional feminist rants and travel. Drinks coffee with her oxygen. Follow her on twitter @becca_carey_ and instagram @becca.carey_