Well Being: Microplastics

You can live without it.

The issue of micro-plastics has become a hot topic in the past few years. We know they are everywhere. We know they are forming deposits in our bodies. We breathe in, eat and drink them. Yet we still really don’t understand the long-term impact of microplastics on either our health, the health of other species, or the general environment.

Where do microplastics come from?

Microplastics (and nanoplastics) are small particles of plastic. These particles are typically created when plastic products break down (decompose). Plastics are produced by chemically purifying, rearranging and polymerizing molecules found in various oils, in most cases derived from petroleum, but a variety of chemical starting materials can be used. There are many different types of plastics, which are described by the chemical names of the molecules used to fabricate them. To provide one example, polyvinyl chloride (PVC) is used to make many household items such water pipes, plastic bottles, flooring, and packaging. Worldwide, about 40 million tons of PVC are produced each year. Another example is polyethylene-based plastics. Polyethylene is the most commonly produced plastic used for plastic bags, films, food containers and bottles. Polypropylene is also an important potential source of microplastics in the environment, and is used in a wide range of food-related products, including food wrappings.

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A recent, peer reviewed paper out of Italy documents a strong association between “patients with carotid artery plaque in which microplastics and nanoplastics were detected had a higher risk of a composite of myocardial infarction, stroke, or death from any cause at 34 months of follow-up than those in whom MNPs were not detected.”

Abstract

BACKGROUND

Microplastics and nanoplastics (MNPs) are emerging as a potential risk factor for cardiovascular disease in preclinical studies. Direct evidence that this risk extends to humans is lacking.

METHODS

We conducted a prospective, multicenter, observational study involving patients who were undergoing carotid endarterectomy for asymptomatic carotid artery disease. The excised carotid plaque specimens were analyzed for the presence of MNPs with the use of pyrolysis–gas chromatography–mass spectrometry, stable isotope analysis, and electron microscopy. Inflammatory biomarkers were assessed with enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and immunohistochemical assay. The primary end point was a composite of myocardial infarction, stroke, or death from any cause among patients who had evidence of MNPs in plaque as compared with patients with plaque that showed no evidence of MNPs.

RESULTS

A total of 304 patients were enrolled in the study, and 257 completed a mean (±SD) follow-up of 33.7±6.9 months. Polyethylene was detected in carotid artery plaque of 150 patients (58.4%), with a mean level of 21.7±24.5 μg per milligram of plaque; 31 patients (12.1%) also had measurable amounts of polyvinyl chloride, with a mean level of 5.2±2.4 μg per milligram of plaque. Electron microscopy revealed visible, jagged-edged foreign particles among plaque macrophages and scattered in the external debris. Radiographic examination showed that some of these particles included chlorine. Patients in whom MNPs were detected within the atheroma were at higher risk for a primary end-point event than those in whom these substances were not detected (hazard ratio, 4.53; 95% confidence interval, 2.00 to 10.27; P<0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

In this study, patients with carotid artery plaque in which MNPs were detected had a higher risk of a composite of myocardial infarction, stroke, or death from any cause at 34 months of follow-up than those in whom MNPs were not detected.

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Microplastics are ubiquitous in modern life.

A recent study found microplastics in human breast milk, alarming researchers over the health impact they may have on infants.

The evidence of MPs in human breastmilk, coupled with the previous discovery of these microparticles in the human placenta, represents a great concern, since it impacts the extremely vulnerable population of infants. In fact, the chemicals possibly contained in foods, beverages, and personal care products consumed by breastfeeding mothers may be transferred to the offspring, potentially exerting a toxic effect.

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Microplastics are involved in a variety of human health issues:

A recent academic review highlighted the many studies showing a wide range of health issues related to the ingestion of microplastics. The authors write:

“There are several studies that have described the damage caused by plastic particles, including oxidative stress, apoptosis, inflammatory response, dysregulation of the endocrine system and accumulation in various organs. In addition to this, microplastics have recently been found to influence the evolution of microbial communities and increase the gene exchange, including antibiotic and metal resistance genes.”

Other studies show microplastics can affect fetal outcomes. One study reported “associations between meconium microplastics and reduced microbiota diversity”. Another study documented “placental microplastic levels correlated with reduced birthweights and one-minute Apgar scores”. The prevalence, concentration and impact of microplastic contamination on infants is just beginning to be investigated, but the sparse data currently available also suggests that infant formula and formula packaging may be another significant environmental hazard.

Isolation and identification of microplastics in infant formulas - A potential health risk for children

Food Chem. 2024 May 15:440:138246.

Abstract

Microplastics (MPs) are plastic particles between 0.1 and 5,000 µm in size that can contaminate food. Unfortunately, to date, little attention has been paid to analyzing the presence of such particles in baby foods. The present study aimed to determine the degree of contamination of infant formula with MPs. A total of thirty products were subjected to analysis. The research methodology used included the isolation of plastic particles, identification and characterization of MPs using advanced microscopic and spectroscopic techniques. Microplastics were detected in all tested samples. The most frequently identified polymers were polyamide, polyethylene, polypropylene, and poly(ethylene terephthalate). The particles exhibited diverse forms, including fibers, fragments, and films, displaying a range of colors such as colorless, black, and brown particles. Furthermore, the daily intake of MPs by children fed exclusively infant formula was estimated to be approximately 49 ± 32 MPs. This poses a potential health risk for the youngest.

A Children's Health Perspective on Nano- and Microplastics

Environ Health Perspect. 2022 Jan;130(1):15001.

Abstract

Background: Pregnancy, infancy, and childhood are sensitive windows for environmental exposures. Yet the health effects of exposure to nano- and microplastics (NMPs) remain largely uninvestigated or unknown. Although plastic chemicals are a well-established research topic, the impacts of plastic particles are unexplored, especially with regard to early life exposures.

Objectives: This commentary aims to summarize the knowns and unknowns around child- and pregnancy-relevant exposures to NMPs via inhalation, placental transfer, ingestion and breastmilk, and dermal absorption.

Methods: A comprehensive literature search to map the state of the science on NMPs found 37 primary research articles on the health relevance of NMPs during early life and revealed major knowledge gaps in the field. We discuss opportunities and challenges for quantifying child-specific exposures (e.g., NMPs in breastmilk or infant formula) and health effects, in light of global inequalities in baby bottle use, consumption of packaged foods, air pollution, hazardous plastic disposal, and regulatory safeguards. We also summarize research needs for linking child health and NMP exposures and address the unknowns in the context of public health action.

Discussion: Few studies have addressed child-specific sources of exposure, and exposure estimates currently rely on generic assumptions rather than empirical measurements. Furthermore, toxicological research on NMPs has not specifically focused on child health, yet children's immature defense mechanisms make them particularly vulnerable. Apart from few studies investigating the placental transfer of NMPs, the physicochemical properties (e.g., polymer, size, shape, charge) driving the absorption, biodistribution, and elimination in early life have yet to be benchmarked. Accordingly, the evidence base regarding the potential health impacts of NMPs in early life remains sparse. Based on the evidence to date, we provide recommendations to fill research gaps, stimulate policymakers and industry to address the safety of NMPs, and point to opportunities for families to reduce early life exposures to plastic.

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Microplastics are ubiquitous in modern life.

In the face of all of this evidence, it is easy to decide that microplastics and nanoplastics are just a fact of modern life and to give up, concluding that microplastics are everywhere and you are powerless to do anything about it. But that is neither wise nor advantageous for your personal health, the health of your children, the general health of human societies or ecosystems. I believe that we all should consider taking action.

What can you do?

Commit to removing as much microplastic from your everyday life as possible is a good start.

Identify, test and remove the hazard.

Water:

One study reports that ninety-five percent of the water sources in the USA contain microplastics. It is easy and fairly inexpensive to get your water tested for microplastics, and that is a pretty good place to start.

If you do have microplastics in your water source, there are many filters on the market that claim to filter out microplastics.

Do not drink bottled water in plastic containers on a regular basis, and be careful of water containers. Soft drinks in plastic bottles also contain microplastics. Glass containers appear to be the best widely available option.

FOOD for THOUGHT

Most ultra-processed foods come in plastic. We all know this, right? For all sorts of reasons, avoid ultra-processed foods.

Milk: Consider buying milk from a local store that sells milk in glass bottles, that can be returned for a deposit. Yes, this option still exists. This particular example still uses a plastic lid rather than the paper lids of my youth, but it is an improvement over full plastic containers.

Produce: This should be a no brainer. Some areas of the world have lax pesticide and herbicide standards, and in many cases produce from these countries are also more polluted with microplastics. Consider reading the COOL (country of origin labelling) prior to purchasing fruits and vegetables.

Fish: Because fresh and marine waters are so polluted with microplastics, our fish are literally breathing and eating microplastics every minute of their lives. Studies have documented high levels of microplastics in many species of fish.

Marine life that filter the water for food have the highest levels of microplastics. This would include bivalves such as oysters and clams, as well as sea cucumbers, which have high concentrations of sediment. It is also thought that larger carnivorous fish will contain more microplastics.

It bears to reason that there will be huge regional differences in the amount of microplastics in fish.

Vegetable Gardening and fruit trees: Avoid plastic landscaping cloth. Avoid growing vegetables in plastic containers.

This year, Jill and I had decided to use plastic sheeting for a weed barrier in our vegetable garden. In the past, this has been one of our most successful and easy on the back options for our gardens. While doing the research for this article, we have decided against that.

Dry Goods Storage: Use glass jars whenever possible and avoid plastic lids. Try to buy items not in plastic wrappings. Transfer items such as beans, sugar, spices, etc. bought in plastic bags to glass storage as soon as possible.

Buy food in glass jars, as opposed to plastic.

Food Storage: Glass food storage options abound. My very British mother-in-law just used a ceramic bowl with a plate on the top for all refrigerated left-overs. A recycled glass jar rinsed well is free of microplastic risk and will last for years. Wax paper, parchment and paper bags are unlikely to contain or shed microplastics.

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As plastic items age, they break down and release microplastic particles. Reducing plastics in house is a clean way to live.

Clothing: Polyester and other synthetic textiles are made of plastic. Cotton, linen and wool are not.

Flooring: If you are thinking about installing new flooring - just step back and research your options. Tile, ceramic, stone and wood will generally be clean choices. That said, specific finishes may contain microplastics.

Furniture: If you are thinking about buying new furniture or replacing what you have - just step back and research your options. We like to buy high quality used furniture and tend to go for wood.

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None of us live in a world that is pristine. Pollutants abound. There are risks. Working to mitigate those risks benefits ourselves and our environment. Be wise in your life choices. By thinking and acting local, collectively we can have a global impact.

For further reading, here are two search strings I have set up that will guide you to hundreds of peer reviewed papers in the scientific literature which focus on the toxicity of microplastics.

This link will lead you to a list of 3,977 papers addressing microplastic toxicity.

Here is a separate search link that will direct you to 263 academic review papers on microplastic toxicity, all of which you can download, read and share for free. This may be a better place to start if you want to follow up with further information.

As I have said many times before, the toxicity risk when graphine oxide contaminates injectable products is certainly not trivial. But that risk pales in comparison to the known, documented risks of microplastic and nanoplastic particles in our food and water.

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