Microplastics in the Textile Industry: Part II - Health Risks
Microplastics (MP) and nanoplastics (NP) have been found in nearly every organ system studied so far, including the lungs, brain, liver, kidney, heart, and placenta.
It is easy for these particles to enter the human body due to their small size, and the most common pathways are through ingestion and inhalation [3]. Once they have entered the body, they have the potential to interact through both physical and chemical means to cause dysfunction to human body systems.
“It is easy for these particles to enter the human body…through ingestion and inhalation.”
One study from Canadian researchers at the University of Victoria estimates that average microplastic consumption may be as high as 52,000 particles ingestion per year. When inhalation is taken into account, these estimates rise to between 74,000 and 121,000 particles.The consumption of bottled water alone may contribute to an increase in ingestion of 90,000 microplastics annually, compared to just 4,000 for those who drink only tap water. [8]
Average percent microplastic particle (MP) types including fibers, fragments, granules, film, foam, filaments, and flakes in (A) water, alcohol (beer), and indoor air and (B) seafood, salt, sugar, and honey. [8]One of the primary means microplastics can be harmful to human health is due to the additives present in the plastic particles. These compounds, such as bisphenol-A (BPA), bisphenol-S (BPS), phthalates, and PFAS (“forever chemicals”) can act as endocrine disruptors, meaning they have the capability to interfere with the production, release, transport, metabolism, and elimination of hormones. In fact, the first evidence of microplastics was found in the human placenta, with researchers able to characterize shape, pigment, and polymer type[20].
Multiple studies have shown that microplastics and nanoplastics are able to cross the blood-brain barrier and blood-testicular barrier, with one study showing about 1 teaspoon’s worth of microplastics found in the brains of deceased individuals [13]. A study on microplastic concentration in the olfactory bulb found the predominant shapes of MP’s studies were particles and fibers, with polypropylene being the most frequently observed polymer. [12]
“Microplastics and nanoplastics are able to cross the blood-brain barrier…”
Microplastic concentrations are found to be higher for those diagnosed with Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS). MP’s may play a role in this condition as a result of physical irritation of the gastrointestinal tract due to the jagged edges of the plastic particles. Chemical interactions between microplastics and the intestinal microbiome, creating an imbalance between beneficial and harmful bacteria, resulting in symptoms like abdominal pain, bloating, and changes in bowel habits.[6] However, this is causal data, with other strong theories possibly playing a role. Those with IBS may simply have a decreased ability to filter microplastics from the food and beverages they consume. [14]
A 2024 study in the New England Journal of Medicine detected polyethylene microplastics in corroded artery plaques of 150 patients, over 50% of the study participants. Electron microscopy revealed jagged edge particles among plaque macrophages, leading to a higher risk of a composite of myocardial infarction, stroke, or death 34 months later as a result of decreased blood flow through these arteries. [15]
Inhalation of microplastics could lead to respiratory issues. In fact, microplastics have recently been found for the first time in the lower region of the lungs, which was previously thought to be impervious to microplastic penetration [16]. In this study, the vast majority of microplastics found (97.06%) were in the shape of a fiber, with smokers exhibiting a much higher concentration than non-smokers. These microplastic particles can cause physical inflammation of the lungs, potentially leading to radiological abnormalities, pathological microbial growth, and decreased lung function. In addition to the physical damage these particles can have on the lungs, it was also recently found that nanoplastics are associated with mitochondrial damage in human respiratory cells [17].
“Micro[fibers] have recently been found for the first time in the lower region of the lungs, which was previously thought to be impervious to microplastic penetration.”
Microplastics can also act as carriers of heavy metals, such as lead and cadmium, which can disrupt normal cellular function and lead to organ damage [3]. Choi et al. presented strong evidence of NP accumulation in the liver, kidneys, and intestine of mice, resulting in severe inflammatory and oxidative stress responses after 2 weeks of administration [21].
Microfiber concentration in lower lungs by: (a) sex, (b) age groups, (c) smoking habits, (d) occupation, (e) building, (f) radiological diagnosis, (g) pathological microbial growth, (h) ratio FVE1/FVC (error bars represent standard error). [16]Multiple studies have shown fibers are ubiquituous in microplastic studies of the human body [1, 3, 12, 13, 18, 19]. The jagged edges of the microfiber can cause toxicity by physically irritating internal organs and causing inflammation. Blarer and Burkhart-Holm compared the impact of fibers and spheres on the feeding rate, assimilation efficiency, and wet weight of the amphipod Gammarus fossarum. While both types of microplastics were ingested and egested, only the fibers negatively affected the health of the animals.[1]
Microplastics (MP) and nanoplastics (NP) are found in numerous human organ systems, such as the brain, lungs, and liver, due to their small size and easy entry through ingestion and inhalation. Their presence can cause harm via physical irritation, chemical interactions, and by carrying harmful additives like BPA or heavy metals. MPs are associated with IBS, cardiovascular risks, and respiratory issues, and can cross the blood-brain barrier. Fibers, in particular, are commonly found and cause severe physical and chemical effects, including inflammation and oxidative stress. MPs also disrupt microbiomes and hormone functions, posing widespread health concerns.
Long Story Short: Cellular and animal studies have demonstrated that microplastics can impact multiple human body systems, such as the digestive, respiratory, endocrine, reproductive, and immune systems. MPs are linked to conditions like IBS, heart disease, and respiratory issues, with fibers being more ubiquitous and causing more damage than spherical particles.
References:
[1] Weis, J. S., & De Falco, F. (2022). Microfibers: Environmental Problems and Textile Solutions. Microplastics, 1(4), Article 4. https://doi.org/10.3390/microplastics1040043
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