Microplastics are now in human tissue. When will the alarms go off?

Widespread dependence on plastic has lead to widespread contamination of the air and the ocean with microplastics. These tiny particles originate from the deterioration of ghost gear and larger pieces of plastic that are in the sea or from industries or even our own homes from the clothes we put in the washing machine. Lost and abandoned fishing nets and lines known as ghost gear, make up the majority (a staggering 10%) of plastic pollution in the ocean.

Microplastics are so small that they are starting to travel up the food chain and are reaching our plates. Recently, researchers at the Rochman Lab and the Ontario Ministry of the Environment found microplastics were widespread in the fillets and livers of all wild fish species studied. This means that plastics are not being excreted after being ingested, more so, it means they are travelling to other parts of the body of fish. After fish are exposed, they suffer from neurotoxicity, growth retardation and behavioural abnormalities. If this happens in fish, we should be careful not to think it will happen to us if exposed continuously to microplastics.

In a study published this year, scientists have found microplastics in lung tissue taken from living people for the first time. 12 types of plastics were identified, the most common being polypropylene and polyethylene terephthalate, and resin. These fibres are commonly found in packaging, bottles, clothing and other industries. The results suggest people might be exposed to microplastics in the air by inhaling them, so if people are eating them by including them unknowingly in their diets on a regular basis thinking it is safe and healthy food, what could the consequences really be?

The effects on human health are not very well understood and still unknown. We know for certain that other exposure routes include drinking from plastic bottles, salt and even honey and shellfish (these marine organisms are consumed with their intact gastrointestinal trats which pose particular concern because they accumulate the microplastics). A recent study from 2019 of microplastics in the deep sea found plastic particles in every single filter feeder that was studied.

So what can we do to minimise our exposure? Surely living in unpolluted areas and switching to a plant-based diet will help. Our plant-based seafood alternatives are a step in the right direction for consumers, industry and the environment. Isn’t that called a win-win situation?