When plastic breaks down, it leaves tiny pieces behind called microplastics. Though smaller than a grain of sand, these tiny bits of plastic can have a big impact on your health. In fact,
scientists are warning of the potential risks, from causing cancer and infertility to Alzheimer’s.
Since knowing what the science currently says about microplastics and disease can go a long way toward helping you minimize your exposure and risk, our experts are weighing in.
What Are Microplastics?
Microplastics can come from any type of plastic product, like tires, water bottles, paint and even some types of clothing.
Defined as miniature bits of broken-down plastic less than 5 millimeters in diameter, microplastics can be thought of as another type of pollutant. That means the less exposure, the better — especially since scientists are increasingly concerned about the health effects of microplastics and think they can be as bad for us as air and water pollution.
What Does the Science Say?
Researchers are most concerned that microplastics seem to be linked with a wide variety of diseases, including cancer. To make matters worse, measuring them in our bodies is really difficult, making it hard to tell whether microplastics are actually linked with disease or how much.
Still, the fact remains that 3,000 scientific studies about microplastics and risk of disease concluded that ingesting microplastics may be linked with:
- Cancer, especially in the digestive tract
- Decreased fertility
- Heart disease
- Immune system damage
- Metabolic diseases like diabetes
- Neurological diseases like Alzheimer’s
But here’s the good news: Despite our almost constant exposure to microplastics, only a small amount gets absorbed into our bodies. And there’s even some research suggesting that our bodies eliminate a lot of them naturally.
We need to also keep in mind that most of the research into microplastics and diseases happens in laboratory animals or in cells. So, while it’s clear that microplastics can be toxic to cells and is associated with a higher risk of disease in laboratory animals, whether it’s happening to humans is yet to be proven.
How Can I Reduce My Risk of Exposure?
Because microplastics are everywhere, it’s impossible to reduce your exposure to zero. Still, there are ways you can decrease your exposure. Here are a few suggestions:
- Avoid foods in plastic packaging or cans with plastic linings
- Buy goods that have more natural than synthetic materials
- Decrease your use of single-use plastic
- Invest in a tap water filter
- Keep doors and windows open to improve ventilation
- Stop cooking or microwaving food in plastic
- Try shorter dishwasher cycles
- Vacuum your house regularly
While taking these steps will go a long way toward safeguarding your family, it’s important to remember that, currently, microplastics are a cause for concern, but not panic. The research is still evolving. Do what you can now and look for more information as microplastics are studied more widely.
A Lifetime of Health
No matter where your life and health journey takes you, AdventHealth can help you navigate it.
We want to make it easier for you to get and stay healthy. If you have any health concerns, whether related to microplastics or any other issues, schedule an appointment with an AdventHealth primary care provider near you today.
