Growing awareness of the amount of microplastics found in our environment has raised concerns about their impact on human health, especially due to routine ingestion.
Now, a new study has taken the first step in quantifying the impact that ingesting microplastics can have on our bodies.
What's happening?
SpringerOpen shared a study published in the journal Microplastics and Nanoplastics that looked at the oral toxicity of microplastics, specifically polyamide microplastics.
Most previous research into the effects of ingested microplastics was limited to studying polystyrene beads, which are not representative of the size of microplastics.
As the study states in its summary: “There is a dire lack of standardized in vivo studies examining the hazard to humans from microplastics according to OECD testing guidelines.”
To study the possible effects of ingestion, researchers fed rats with microplastics for 28 days. The results showed that there was no apparent acute toxicity in the rats at the end of the test period.
While it is good news that the direct harmful effects of microplastic ingestion are limited, the study also documented subtle but significant changes in the composition of the gut microbiome and inflammatory markers. These findings suggest that long-term exposure to microplastics could have lasting consequences.
It was also discovered that the physicochemical properties of polyamide affect the way it is distributed in the body after ingestion, with the microplastic accumulating in organs such as the liver.
This raises the question of whether microplastics can increase the health risks of environmental toxins or chemical additives.
Why is this discovery worrying?
As the research shows, microplastics are now found in virtually everything we come into contact with, including our water, soil and food, thanks to plastic waste.
We are constantly at risk of ingesting microplastics, which can remain in our bodies forever. The conclusions of this study therefore provide new insights into the health risks of consuming microplastics.
Previous research into the effect of microplastics on the human body has potentially linked microplastics to a host of health problems, including dementia, weight gain, hormonal disruption, reduced fertility and an increased risk of heart disease.
If this study's findings hold up in further research, microplastics in the body could also potentiate other toxins, increasing the risk of additional health problems, although more research on this issue is needed.
What is being done about plastic waste?
Governments and companies around the world continue to take steps to reduce plastic waste, from creating more sustainable product packaging to entering into international agreements aimed at reducing plastic use.
Individuals can help protect themselves from the ingestion of microplastics by using water filters designed to filter microplastics and reduce the amount of plastic they use and throw away.
Sign up for our free newsletter and receive weekly updates on the latest innovations improving our lives And shaping our futureand don't miss this cool list of simple ways to help yourself and help the planet at the same time.
