THERE'S a lot to learn about the health effects of microplastics, but as humans consume more of it there is intensifying urgency to uncover the full picture.
It’s enough to make you sick.
Plastic waste is everywhere, littering our streets, waterways and beaches. Now it’s showing up in our bloodstream, in the form of microplastics — plastic particles that range in size from 0.1 to 5,000 micrometres. Researchers are still getting the full picture of just how harmful microplastic consumption is for humans, but the early indications are a cause for concern.
Microplastics most commonly enter the body through the gastrointestinal tract, starting from the mouth. But they’ve shown up all over the upper body in organs such as the intestine, lungs, kidneys, liver, and spleen. Microplastics have also appeared in faeces and the placenta.
In one analysis, infants had a concentration of poly(ethylene terephthalate), a polyester resin found in plastics, in their faeces ten times higher than in the adults' samples. Microplastics were even detected in the earliest stool of newborns, meaning humans are being exposed to plastic before birth.
Cells subjected to microplastics pollution die three times faster than they do when exposed to other, cleaner foreign bodies. This happens because “oxidative stress” is induced: the immune system detects microplastics, regards it as an enemy, and reacts violently to protect the body against it. In doing so, the immune system is weakened and vulnerable to declining health. Beyond that, microplastics carry toxins, leading to potential health risks.
Research on mice shows that microplastics may cross the brain-blood barrier, and accumulate in microglial cells accompanying neurons. Microplastics have been found in human blood — meaning people are likely as vulnerable to the blood-brain barrier crossover as mice.
Research is still digging into the mystery around what such findings mean for wider human health, but the known details are alarming. There’s a lot that researchers are still in the early stages of figuring out, such as how prevalent microplastics are in food and drinks.
Results are often inconclusive due to the complexity of plastic composition, size and shape of particles, and the presence of additional components. Information about microplastics is scattered. Analytical methodologies for detecting and identifying microplastics are still developing. Research is spread across different types of particles, making it difficult to compare data.
Data from toxicity studies is limited and often inconsistent. The complexity of microplastics, composition, size, and shape, and their interactions with other components make it difficult to obtain reliable data.
While researchers are still determining the degree of harm, just the thought of unknowingly swallowing microplastics is enough to make many people queasy — especially if there’s a risk of traces crossing the blood-brain barrier. In the meantime, it’s another compelling reason to commit to a reduction of plastic waste in the environment.
Małgorzata Grembecka is head of the Department of Bromatology at the Faculty of Pharmacy of the Medical University of Gdańsk.
Kornelia Kadac-Czapska is the assistant at the Department of Bromatology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Medical University of Gdańsk.
** The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the position of Astro AWANI.
360info
Fri Jun 16 2023
There's a lot that researchers are still in the early stages of figuring out, such as how prevalent microplastics are in food and drinks. - FREEPIK/Filepic
COP29 climate summit draft proposes rich countries pay $250 billion per year
The draft finance deal criticised by both developed and developing nations.
Bomb squad sent to London's Gatwick Airport after terminal evacuation
This was following the discovery of a suspected prohibited item in luggage.
Kelantan urges caution amidst northeast monsoon rains
Kelantan has reminded the public in the state to refrain from outdoor activities with the arrival of the Northeast Monsoon season.
Former New Zealand PM Jacinda Ardern receives UN leadership award
Former New Zealand prime minister Jacinda Ardern was given a global leadership award by the United Nations Foundation.
ICC'S arrest warrants for Netanyahu, Gallant an apt decision - PM
The decision of the ICC to issue arrest warrants against Benjamin Netanyahu and Yoav Gallant is apt, said Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
KTMB provides two additional ETS trains for Christmas, school holidays
KTMB will provide two additional ETS trains for the KL Sentral-Padang Besar route and return trips in conjunction with the holidays.
BNM'S international reserves rise to USD118 bil as at Nov 15, 2024
Malaysia's international reserves rose to US$118.0 billion as at Nov 15, 2024, up from US$117.6 billion on Oct 30, 2024.
Findings by dark energy researchers back Einstein's conception of gravity
The findings announced are part of a years-long study of the history of the cosmos focusing upon dark energy.
NRES responds to Rimbawatch press release on COP29
The Ministry of Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability (NRES) wishes to offer the following clarifications to the issues raised.
Online Safety Bill and Anti-Cyberbullying Laws must carefully balance rights and protections
The Online Safety Advocacy Group (OSAG) stands united with people in Malaysia in the fight against serious online harms.
Malaysia's inflation at 1.9 pct in Oct 2024 - DOSM
Malaysia's inflation rate for October 2024 has increased to 1.9 per cent, up from 1.8 per cent in September this year.
Saudi Arabia showcases Vision 2030 goals at Airshow China 2024
For the first time, Saudi Arabia is participating in the China International Aviation & Aerospace Exhibition held recently in Zhuhai.
King Charles' coronation cost GBP 71mil, govt accounts show
The coronation of Britain's King Charles cost taxpayers GBP72 million (US$90 million), official accounts have revealed.
Couple and associate charged with trafficking 51.9 kg of meth
A married couple and a man were charged in the Magistrate's Court here today with trafficking 51.974 kilogrammes of Methamphetamine.
PDRM to consult AGC in completing Teoh Beng Hock investigation
The police may seek new testimony from existing witnesses for additional insights into the investigation of Teoh Beng Hock's death.
Thai court rejects petition over ex-PM Thaksin's political influence
Thailand's Constitutional Court rejects a petition seeking to stop Thaksin Shinawatra from interfering in the running the Pheu Thai party.
Abidin takes oath of office as Sungai Bakap assemblyman
The State Assemblyman for Sungai Bakap, Abidin Ismail, was sworn in today at the State Assembly building, Lebuh Light.
UPNM cadet officer charged with injuring junior, stomping on him with spike boots
A cadet officer at UPNM pleaded not guilty to a charge of injuring his junior by stomping on the victim's stomach with spike boots.
How Indian billionaire Gautam Adani's alleged bribery scheme took off and unraveled
The indictment was unsealed on Nov. 20, prompting a $27 billion plunge in Adani Group companies' market value.
Elon Musk blasts Australia's planned ban on social media for children
Several countries have already vowed to curb social media use by children through legislation, but Australia's policy could become one of the most stringent.