Overview

Would you imagine that something as small as 5 mm could harm your body, the environment, and aquatic life? Microplastics are small, plastic fragments measuring less than 5mm that come from plastic waste, synthetic clothes, and cosmetic products. Plastic is a durable and long-lasting material, unlike paper, which can disintegrate over time. Plastic slowly breaks down into smaller particles, known as microplastics.

Today, microplastics pose a global environmental challenge as they are found everywhere, in water, food, and even in the air that we breathe.¹ Microplastics are around us, and concerns have been raised about their impact on human health.

How microplastics enter the human body

The three most common ways microplastics enter the human body are through ingestion, inhalation, and skin contact. 

Ingestion of microplastics

Microplastics have been found in food, beverages, and even table salt.

In particular, consumption of microplastics occurs from: 

• Food wrapped in plastic packaging - Although the original food might not have been exposed to microplastics, processing and packaging may introduce plastic particles into the food. For example, tea alone may not be contaminated, but teabags expose the consumer to microplastics²
• Beverages - Many beverages are affected by microplastic pollution, including popular beverages such as tea, water and beer.. The production of these drinks involves water resources from the environment, and research shows that microplastics are present in almost all water environments³
• Fish and shellfish - Seafood has been reported to be a major microplastic source due to ocean pollution
• Table salt - Seawater distillation is the usual method for table salt production, and although there are many purification steps involved, it is difficult to avoid microplastics in the final product²

Eating food in plastic packaging, seasoning food with salt, and drinking water and other beverages such as tea and beer are common daily habits, making it challenging to avoid ingesting microplastics completely.

Inhalation of microplastics

Microplastics are not just in food and beverages; they are also present in the air we breathe. Airborne microplastics come from sources such as

• Synthetic clothing – Clothes made of synthetic fabric materials such as polyester, nylon, and acrylic shed tiny plastic particles into the air when handling (washing, wearing)⁴
• Indoor dust – Home is a safe space, but not from microplastics. Carpets, furniture and everyday plastic products contain microplastics, and parts of them can remain present in the air
• Industrial pollution – Outdoor air pollution caused by factory activity contributes to microplastic contamination. Once inhaled, microplastics settle in the lungs and can lead to respiratory issues and long-term health effects

Skin contact with microplastics

Microplastics can also come into contact with skin; however, current research still investigates the extent of absorption.

• Personal care products – Most exfoliating scrubs and lotions contain microbeads, and can leave plastic residues on the skin⁵
• Synthetic clothing – Apart from inhaling microplastics when wearing or washing synthetic fabric materials, microplastics can get to you through direct contact with the skin⁴
• Contaminated water – Water used in showering may contain plastic particles that can come in direct contact with the skin⁴

Current evidence of microplastic’s impact on health 

The widespread presence of microplastics has made it necessary to understand the extent to which they impact human health. 

Microplastics and inflammation

When microplastics enter the body, they can cause inflammation in many tissues. While inflammation is a necessary body function to alert your body to harmful stimuli, chronic inflammation can lead to health issues. For example, your gut microbiota helps with digestion and immunity. Accumulation of microplastics in the intestine can harm gut bacteria, possibly leading to health issues.⁶

Microplastics and oxidative stress

Oxidative stress occurs in the body when free radicals outnumber the antioxidants that can neutralise them. This imbalance leads to cellular damage. Research shows that microplastics inhibit antioxidant activity and lead to increased oxidative stress in the body.⁷

Microplastics in metabolic disorders

Prolonged oxidative stress can affect the way your body stores and uses energy. Over time, these metabolic disturbances may increase the risk of health conditions such as obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular diseases.⁸ 

Microplastics and foreign particles 

The structure of microplastics creates space on their surface, making them prone to absorb harmful contaminants, pathogens and toxins. Once microplastics enter the body, they can introduce foreign, harmful substances that may contribute to infections or diseases.⁶

Current research challenges 

Ongoing research has mostly focused on the short-term impact of microplastics on human health. The impact of chronic exposure and prolonged accumulation of microplastics remains unclear. 

One of the reasons is the challenge of detecting and measuring microplastic presence in the human body. Currently, there are no established testing methods for microplastic detection. The sensitivity and reliability of the current methods vary, mainly because microplastics also vary in shape, pigment, and density.

Another challenge is sample contamination risks from plasticware used in laboratory equipment and procedures. 

Policies and strategies to reduce microplastic pollution

Microplastic pollution has received widespread recognition, and many national policies have been implemented to tackle this issue. By 2030, the EU aims to reduce the presence of microplastics by 30%. 

This will be achieved by:

• Reducing plastic use
• Reducing added microplastics in products
• Reducing unintentional microplastic releases⁹

Further actions to improve plastic waste management include: 

• Reducing single-use plastics
• Improving waste management systems
• Recycling
• Encouraging consumer responsibility and spreading awareness 

Researchers and industries have turned to sustainable solutions by developing eco-friendly materials that break down naturally or have a lower environmental impact.
Alternative sustainable materials include:

• Biodegradable plastic
• Paper-based packaging
• Reusable containers and refillable bottles
• Sustainable fabric production (organic cotton, hemp, and recycled materials) 

Although these national policies will have an impact on microplastic pollution, global action and additional policies are essential to truly make a difference and achieve the set targets. 

Individual strategies to reduce microplastic pollution

Reduce plastic use and intake

Avoid buying groceries/food that is stored in plastic material.
Where possible, choose glass or stainless steel kitchen and food equipment over plastic (e.g. stainless steel cutlery, beeswax wrap). Choose loose-leaf tea and use tea strainers instead of buying tea bags. 

Fish pre-treatment for safer consumption  

If possible, remove the digestive tract from shellfish, as it can bear large amounts of plastic particles. Additionally, rinse the fish thoroughly to remove anything on the surface. 

Avoid synthetic clothes

Wear clothes made from natural fibres like cotton and wool. 

Choose personal care products wisely

Choose natural skincare and hygiene products, and look for products free of plastic-based ingredients and microbeads.  

Recycle

Adopt recycling habits and participate in local clean-up events to reduce plastics in the environment. 

Summary 

Microplastics are everywhere - these tiny 5 mm particles are found in food, water and the air we breathe. Their widespread presence is now an environmental and public health concern, with current studies suggesting that microplastics impact human health, and continuous, long-term exposure may lead to long-term health risks. Governments tackle microplastic pollution by introducing policies and turning to sustainable materials to reduce plastic usage. While governments and industries work together to develop better solutions, there are actions individuals can take to minimise their exposure to microplastics. Eco-friendly choices such as buying cotton or wool clothing, natural cosmetic products, and choosing stainless steel/glass products over plastic ones can make a difference. Collective efforts and raising awareness are key to creating a future with fewer microplastics in our environment.  

FAQs

Q1:  What are microplastics?

A: Microplastics are small plastic particles, up to 5 mm, that cause environmental and ocean pollution. Additionally, they pose health risks to humans. 

Q2: How do microplastics enter the human body? 

A: Through microplastic-exposed food, polluted air, synthetic fibres and dust, and personal care products such as exfoliating scrubs and lotions. 

Q3: Are microplastics dangerous?

A: Current research shows that microplastics can be harmful to humans. Continuous exposure may lead to long-term health complications, but further research is needed to validate this.

Q4: How can I protect myself from microplastics?

A: Avoid food and beverages in plastic packaging, choose stainless steel or glass bottles and cutlery, wear natural fabrics over synthetic ones and choose natural, microbead-free personal care products.