The hidden dangers of microplastics on health

The presence of microplastics in our environment poses significant risks to human health. When ingested, either directly through food and water or indirectly through inhalation, microplastics can accumulate in the body and lead to a myriad of health problems. Microplastics can act as carriers for harmful chemicals and pathogens, potentially exposing humans to toxic substances.

Microplastics can increase your risk of:

Cancer development due to their ability to induce oxidative stress in the body. When microplastics enter the bloodstream or accumulate in tissues, they can cause damage to cellular DNA and increase the risk of mutations that lead to cancerous growths.

Hormonal imbalance as they contain endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) that interfere with hormone signalling pathways in the body. By mimicking or blocking the action of natural hormones, microplastics can disrupt the delicate balance of hormonal regulation, leading to a variety of health issues related to reproductive health, metabolism and immune function.

Inflammation is a common consequence of microplastic exposure, triggered by the body’s immune response to foreign substances. When microplastics enter the bloodstream or accumulate in tissues, they can elicit an inflammatory reaction. Chronic inflammation can exacerbate existing health conditions and contribute to the development of diseases such as cardiovascular disorders, autoimmune conditions and neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s.

Metabolic disorders including obesity and diabetes. These tiny particles can disrupt metabolic pathways and interfere with the body’s ability to regulate energy balance. They can also mess with how your body handles sugar, making it harder for insulin to do its job properly. This can lead to a condition called insulin resistance, where your cells don’t respond well to insulin’s signals. When this happens, your blood sugar levels can go up, putting you at risk for type 2 diabetes.

Neurological damage is a concerning health risk associated with microplastic exposure, particularly for the developing nervous system. Microplastics have shown to cross the blood-brain barrier and accumulate in the brain, where they disrupt the signals in your brain. This causes problems with how your brain cells work and can lead to issues with learning and memory in kids and cognitive decline in adults. 

Changes to the gut microbiome. Microplastics can alter the composition and diversity of the community of microorganisms that inhabit the gastrointestinal tract. When there is an imbalance in your gut bacteria, it can lead to tummy troubles, inflammation and other health issues throughout your body.

Reproductive and developmental toxicity, posing risks to fertility, pregnancy outcomes and offspring health. These particles disrupt the hormones that control reproduction and cause issues with how eggs and sperm develop, potentially leading to poor foetal growth, birth defects and developmental delays.