Understanding where microplastics may be found in your daily life can help you better understand how to avoid exposure and identify microplastics.
We are exposed to microplastics in many different items we use and consume throughout the day. These tiny plastic particles can be found in plastic water bottles, synthetic carpets, and even beauty products. They can also be inhaled and consumed with food or drink.
While the long-term effects of microplastics on our health remain unknown, we do know they may affect human cells and also hurt the environment and other organisms.
By knowing where you might come across microplastics in your day-to-day life, you can better understand how to identify and then reduce your exposure.
What Are Microplastics?
Microplastics are tiny pieces of plastic, usually less than 5 millimeters (0.2 inches) in size. They may originate from two different sources:
Microplastics can break down into even smaller particles known as nanoplastics. These are smaller than 0.001 millimeters in size.
Microplastics have been found in human bodies.
Plastic particles are so durable that once they become small enough to be considered microplastics, they may be consumed or inhaled throughout our lives. In addition to increased inflammation, toxicity, and an altered gut microbiome, research indicates that microplastics may also contribute to these outcomes.
Scientists found microplastics in the placentas of healthy women in 2020. Personal care products, paints, cosmetics, and packaging are all thought to be culprits. The tiny particles might have been brought through the bloodstream once eaten or inhaled. They have not been discovered in all the individuals studied, which might say something about the participant’s lifestyles.
Do microplastics end up in the human body? How do they get there?
Foods, beverages, and the air all contain microplastics, or plastic particles smaller than visible to the naked eye. When plastic is made, it is usually degraded into tiny pieces, or microplastics, which then end up in the environment. These microplastics are found in the water surrounding us, in our clothing, and in the air, we breathe. Because microplastics are so small, they can easily be eaten or absorbed into the body. Microplastics also pose a serious threat to the health of animals, as they can cause injuries to the gastrointestinal or nervous systems.
There is little research into the impact of microplastics on our well-being, but we do know that they are found in a variety of food and drink items. We also know that they are quite common in our everyday life.
According to scientists, the average American consumes a daily dose of 39,000 to 52,000 microplastics.
Some bottled water brands are contaminated with microplastics, according to one study. The most commonly identified microplastic contaminants were polypropylene bottle cap polymer materials like polypropylene. The contamination is thought to be caused by both the manufacturing process and the packaging.5
According to research, bottled water contains much higher amounts of microplastics than tap water.
Researchers have also identified microplastics in beer, packaged sea salt, and seafood.6 The amount of microplastics in bivalves or small fish that are consumed whole is usually higher.
Steeping one plastic teabag can release 11.6 billion microplastic particles into one cup of tea, according to research. 3.1 billion nano plastic particles are also released. This study suggests that much higher levels of microplastics could be consumed than previously thought. Higher temperatures of water seem to encourage the release of more plastic particles, and this study seems to suggest that far higher levels of microplastics could be consumed than indicated by previous studies.
Our food and drink can also be contaminated with microplastics, which we can then consume. In Australia, one study found that the dust in indoor air may contain a variety of microparticles, some of which are plastic-based. On carpeted floors, the petrochemical polyethylene and polyacrylic were more common, while polyvinyl was more common on polyvinyl floors.
Children have a higher breathing rate, and lower body weight, which increases their risk of inhaling microplastics from the air or ingesting them through contaminated food and water. They also spend more time playing on the floor, which increases their risk of exposure to microplastics.
Researchers at the University of Georgia determined that children under the age of 6 consume around 6.1 milligrams of microplastics per kilogram of body weight per year, based on the research presented in the above example. Even though the amount seems small, we still do not know the long-term effects that these microplastics may have on our bodies.
Human Health Impact Aids are devices used to treat physical handicaps such as muscle weakness, nerve damage, and joint problems, and also mental conditions such as anxiety and depression. There are several different types of Aids available, including artificial limbs, wheelchairs, vision Aids, and other assistive devices. Aids are primarily used by individuals with lower levels of physical ability or mental capacity. They are also used by children and adults suffering from a range of other conditions, such as cancer, bone fractures, and post-concussion syndrome. Aids can be used in a variety of settings, including hospitals, nursing homes, rehabilitation centers, and hospices. The demand for Aids is expected to increase as the elderly population continues to grow and as the incidence of other conditions such as cancer and dementia also increases.
There is still a lot to learn about microplastics’ long-term effects on our health.
Scientists are trying to find ways to detect microplastics in human tissue. These techniques will help us determine whether microplastics are dangerous or not and if they are.
New research has revealed that microplastics may indeed affect human cells, causing oxidative stress, immune responses (allergic reactions), and cell death. However, further investigation is required to comprehend how microplastics are eliminated from the body.
Microplastics are becoming a major concern for environmentalists and wildlife. They’re also a growing concern for humans. People are trying to avoid them as much as possible, especially since we know they can hurt the environment and wildlife.
Avoiding Microplastic Exposure
By using natural fabrics, filtering your drinking water, and avoiding the use of plastic wherever possible, you can help to limit your and your family’s exposure to microplastics. Floor vacuuming can also reduce the number of airborne microplastics.