Microplastics are tiny plastic particles, often smaller than 5 millimeters, that are widespread environmental pollutants. They come from various sources, such as the breakdown of larger plastic items, synthetic fibers from clothing, and microbeads in personal care products.

Due to their small size, microplastics easily pass through water filtration systems and end up in oceans, rivers, and even the air. Their presence highlights a new form of pollution that is invisible and pervasive, underscoring the urgent need to address the impacts of our reliance on plastics.

Microplastics enter the human body through various pathways, including inhalation (breathing in microplastic particles from the air) and the consumption of contaminated foods such as honey, beer, salt, fish, and seafood. Absorption through the skin is also possible, particularly if the skin barrier is damaged.

The level of microplastic exposure varies greatly depending on lifestyle and location, making precise measurements difficult. Estimates suggest that inhaling airborne microplastic fibers can lead to an annual exposure of up to 68,415 particles per person. However, there is no consensus on standardized measurement methods, so current data is often considered insufficient and unreliable.

The harmful effects of microplastics on marine organisms have been well-documented. Research has demonstrated that ingesting 0.5 µm PS microplastics causes intestinal inflammation in adult zebrafish. Similarly, PE microplastics have been shown to induce inflammatory tissue changes in mussels (Mytilus edulis L.), impacting their feeding and reproductive behaviors.Microplastics have also been found in human blood and blood vessels.

Emerging studies indicate that microplastics are present in human semen and testes. A study conducted in China, where infertility rates are rising, analyzed 40 semen samples and detected microplastics in each one. The study noted abnormalities in sperm, including missing, shortened, bent, or coiled tails. However, it remains inconclusive whether microplastics and their associated toxins are directly responsible for these reproductive issues.

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Cosmetics

Beer, Honey, Salt, Sugar, Seafood.

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