What's This I Hear About Microplastics?
Micro fragments may be causing jumbo health issues
The term “microplastics” has been weaving in and out of environmental and wellness conversations for quite a while but recently made splashy, alarming headlines in the mainstream press that would make even Emily Litella’s ears perk up.
In a paper published in the journal Toxicological Sciences, researchers at the University of New Mexico found significant concentrations of microplastics in the testicular tissues of both humans and dogs. In fact, of the 47 canine and 23 human samples, the presence of microplastics was detected in all instances. Yes, all. (If you care to know more about the samplings, here’s a good read.)
While this study focused specifically on microplastics’ impact on the reproductive system and the global declining sperm count, the detection of foreign matter traversing the body and being deposited in the reproductive organs begs the question: Where else is it deposited? And if there may be a link to declining fertility, what other ailments and disorders could also be influenced?
Apparently, there are a handful of studies that answer that question. For instance, independent papers from China and Italy published in The Lancet reported finding these microscopic particles in blood clots from the heart, brain, and legs. Other studies have confirmed the detection of microplastics nearly everywhere they have looked in the human body, including blood, saliva, liver, kidneys, and placenta. They also exist in the environment, including oceans, soils, air, and even ancient archaeological sites. Holy smokes!
What exactly are microplastics?
Microplastics are defined as “fragments of any type of plastic less than 5mm in length” and are essentially tiny inorganic fragments that come from the degradation of plastics. It’s important to understand that the chemicals in plastics are in a constant state of curing, which usually results in brittleness. Hence, microscopic particles splinter off, and the breakdown begins.
Since plastics have become ubiquitous in our lives, these chips and specks are literally everywhere. Until recently, concern has focused on the oceans and wildlife, but it is clear that microplastics seep into nearly every aspect of our lives through our food chain, the environment, dust, cosmetics and personal care products, cleaning agents, clothing, etc. You name it, we are immersed in them. Even items we don’t suspect—such as tea bags—have plastic woven in.
Foreign, unnatural matter doesn’t belong in our bodies
The sheer number of articles and the questions they pose are both fascinating and sobering. Many are quick to point out that the impact on human health is yet to be established, and more studies are needed. However, scientists acknowledge that the chemicals in plastics may disrupt hormone signaling, and the mere presence of bitsy foreign particles in our bodies may cause cellular dysregulation and dysfunction, blood clots, and possibly cancer and infertility.
Honestly, we know enough about the delicate balance and synergy of all the miraculous systems in our bodies to intuit that anything outside our bodies that makes its way in will have an effect and, most likely, a harmful result. At this time in human history, this is simply common sense. Studies may only confirm our worst fears.
Can microplastics be removed?
The short answer is no. No discovery has yet been made that will rid the body of microplastics. However, a small study out of Australia found that donating blood could reduce the levels of PFAs (man-made chemicals per- and polyfluoroalkyl) known as “forever chemicals” in the blood. Logic holds that there may be a way of cleansing the blood at some point.
Or there may be a way to rid the body of these menaces. For sure, at this very moment, a lab somewhere is trying to figure out something that will scavenge throughout the body, bond to the microplastics, and either neutralize them or carry them out. Whoever those scientists are will become gazillionaires!
What I do to mitigate exposure
Take heart. Until a solution is found, we aren’t totally powerless. Although we can control only so much outside our circle, especially given the fact that microplastics are now environmental and omnipresent, there is still plenty within our means that we can do to mitigate our exposure. Our first line of defense is our home.
About 20 years ago, as part of my clean sweep on the road to motherhood, along with the obviously horrible Teflon pans, I instinctively looked at all the plastic wear in the drawers and cupboards. Plastic cooking spoons and spatulas accompanied the pans into the trash. Next up was the array of plastic cutting boards. Upon close inspection, I saw tiny plastic fragments along the cut lines…not good. Kitchen gadgets such as plastic graters, shredders, grinders, and scrapers were offenders and made it into the giveaway box. I essentially cleaned out any plastic from the kitchen. The only plastics I still have are tops to glass storage containers, and I’m also looking to replace those.
This is why I buy or consume as little prepared or packaged food as possible. Even items such as cut fruits and vegetables—how do I know what surface they were prepared on? Ready-to-eat salads? How were they chopped? Pre-shredded cheese or chopped nuts? No, thank you. Any food that needs to be diced, shredded, or cut, I do myself. If it’s within my ability and time frame to undertake, I do.
I steer clear of the plastic-grinder-topped salt, pepper, and herb bottles. Not to mention the plastic water bottles and the endless line-up of drinks in plastic bottles. They are all off my list.
Naturally, the mitigation also extends to prioritizing natural and organic personal care and cleaning products. I don’t use premade wipes for cleaning or removing makeup, as those have minute particles that can rub off. My makeup is minimal—no sparkles. As for clothing, I’ve got my eye on wool, alpaca, and bamboo fibers to replace my synthetic workout wear. From here on out, I’ll be much more mindful of choosing natural, minimal products all around.
Bottom line
The more I learn, the more I’m convinced that our collective health reflects everything that enters our body, from the air we breathe to the food we eat. Studies only underscore the fact that so many variables affect our health… and rather than being overwhelmed, we can pay attention and look for solutions.
Although I believe this is just the tip of the microplastic iceberg, unlike the ancient Romans, who were eventually done in by their lead pipes, we have sufficient knowledge to attenuate the issue. Knowledge is the first step to power, and this power begets control: the foundation to living well, aging great.