Microplastics: what are and what are the risks to health

Microplastics are plastic particles less than 5 mm in diameter and it is believed that they can increase the risk of breathing and gastrointestinal problems, cardiovascular disease and cancer, for example, when within the human body.

These particles are produced by the natural degradation of plastic materials, but are also found in cosmetics, toothpaste, synthetic and polluting materials, and may contaminate soil, food and water.

Microplastics can enter the body mainly when inhaled or ingested and accumulate in organs and tissues such as blood, placenta and lungs. However, the risks of these health particles have yet been studied.

How they are produced

Microplastics are naturally produced from the degradation of plastic materials, especially when they are inappropriately discarded in the environment.

They are also industrially produced for the manufacture of cosmetics and toothpastes or as residues of synthetic tissue production, cleaning products and tires, for example, and can be eliminated as air and/or water pollutants.

Possible health risks

The main risks of health microplastics that have been studied are:

1. Cancer

Microplastics in the body are believed to accumulate in tissues, damaging cells, leading to the production of toxic substances and causing chronic inflammation, which may increase the risk of cancer.

2. Gastrointestinal problems

Ingested microplastics may irritate the gastrointestinal tract, release toxic substances and cause imbalances in the intestinal flora, causing symptoms such as abdomen pain, belly swelling, diarrhea or constipation, nausea and vomiting.

3. Hormonal changes

Microplastics in the body can lead to changes in production, metabolism and hormone elimination and may be responsible for the development of problems such as infertility, miscarriage and fetal malformations.

4. Respiratory problems

When inhaled, microplastics can cause inflammation in the airways and lungs, and may aggravate existing respiratory diseases and cause symptoms such as cough, shortness of breath and dripping nose.

In addition, microplastics in the lungs are believed to lead to the development of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease in some people. Better understand what chronic obstructive pulmonary disease is.

5. Improveries in Energy Metabolism

Due to inflammation and effects on the activity of enzymes on the digestive tract, for example, microplastics can cause imbalances in energy metabolism, especially in animals, increasing or decreasing the body’s energy expenditure and food intake.

6. Cardiovascular diseases

Blood microplastics also seem to have toxic effects on the heart and blood vessels, and may increase the risk of problems such as arrhythmias, atherosclerosis, infarction and blood clotting abnormalities.

7. Neurodegenerative diseases

Microplastics are believed to reach the brain and, due to their toxic effects, cause changes in neuron functioning, contributing to the development of neurodegenerative diseases.

Created by:
EDITORIAL TEAM TEAR TEAM

Editorial team consisting of doctors and health professionals from various areas such as nursing, nutrition, physiotherapy, clinical analysis and pharmacy.