- Nandita Narayanan
Microplastics can affect human health via open burning of plastic waste and ingestion of contaminated seafood. Microplastics are traced in sugar, salt, drinking water, fish, honey, beer, and packaged foods.
They are minute particles of plastic (less than 0.5mm) that originate from manufactured plastic products or degraded plastic. It is present in our environment, including food and water.
Microplastics enter the food chain in multiple ways like fertilizers and pesticides, water bodies, food processing and packaging units. Ingestion of microplastics can cause health risks.
Microplastics enter the food chain in multiple ways like fertilizers and pesticides, water bodies, food processing and packaging units. Ingestion of microplastics can cause health risks.
Ingestion of microplastic can disrupt the gut microbiome through the over growth of harmful bacteria, affecting the functioning of the digestive and immune systems.
Ingesting microplastic can have an impact on the balance of endocrine hormones. Also, continued exposure to microplastics can result in toxin accumulation in the liver resulting in inflammation and tissue damage.
Ingestion of microplastics has been linked to inflammation in the gastrointestinal tract, leading to conditions like irritable bowel syndrome.
Research also highlights that long-term exposure to microplastics can lead to infertility issues, fetal development problems and potential health risks in newborns.
Studies also indicate that inhalation of microplastics can cause damage to the lung tissues, leading to cancer, asthma attacks, and other health problems.