The Anatomy of Microplastic

In the previous article, we discussed why the plastic problem in India is a personal issue and why everyone should pay attention to it. We also covered how plastic, particularly in the form of micro and nano particles, enters our ecosystem. These particles are present in the food we eat, the water we drink, and the air we breathe. But you might be wondering how exactly they make their way into our food chain. The answer lies in microplastics—tiny plastic particles that are not visible to the naked eye. But how do they end up in our food chain? Before we dive into that, let’s first understand what micro and nano plastics are.

What Are Microplastics?

To understand microplastics, it’s important to know how plastic is categorized, which is primarily by size. Let’s begin with the largest category: macroplastic.

Macroplastics: 

Macroplastics refer to larger pieces of plastic that are easily visible to the naked eye, typically measuring over 5 millimeters in diameter. These include everyday items such as plastic bags, bottles, containers, and larger debris discarded in the environment. 

Macroplastics often originate from household waste, industrial use, or the improper disposal of plastic products. They are the most noticeable form of plastic pollution due to their size and the ease with which they can be seen in natural settings.

Microplastics: 

Microplastics are small plastic fragments that measure less than 5 millimeters in diameter. They can arise from the breakdown of larger plastic debris due to environmental exposure such as sunlight, wind, and water action. 

Additionally, microplastics include intentionally manufactured particles found in products like facial scrubs, toothpastes (as exfoliants), and the fibers released from synthetic fabrics during washing. These plastics are prevalent across various ecosystems due to their small size and widespread use in consumer products.

Some microplastics are visible to naked eyes. Microplastics can be inhaled, particularly those that are very small, close to the micrometer range. However, whether they can be deeply inhaled into the lungs depends on their specific size, shape, and density.

Nanoplastics:

The smallest category of plastics, nanoplastics, are particles less than 1 micrometer (1,000 nanometers) in size. These particles result from the further degradation of microplastics, making them some of the tiniest and most challenging types of plastic to detect.

Nanoplastics can also be produced during the manufacturing processes of plastics and synthetic fibers. Due to their extremely small size, they can be found in various environments, from water bodies to airborne dust. To put their size into perspective, nanoplastics are less than 1/100th of the thickness of a human hair.

These particles are invisible to the naked eye and are extremely harmful. Nanoplastics are both inhalable and potentially respirable, meaning they can be drawn into the human respiratory tract and may reach the alveoli—the tiny air sacs in the lungs where gas exchange occurs.

Now that we have a clear understanding of micro and nano plastics and how they are generated, let’s delve into their adverse effects on health and the environment.

Adverse effects of micro and nano plastics

The potential risks posed by microplastics and nanoplastics to human health are the subject of ongoing research, with increasing concern over their implications. Below are some of the potential health risks associated with these tiny particles:

Respiratory Issues:

Inhalation of microplastics and nanoplastics can lead to respiratory problems. Nanoplastics, due to their minute size, can penetrate deep into the lungs, potentially causing inflammation and other respiratory issues. Long-term exposure may contribute to chronic respiratory diseases.

Gastrointestinal Problems:

Microplastics are often ingested unknowingly through contaminated seafood, water, and even airborne particles. Once ingested, these particles can accumulate in the gastrointestinal tract. While most are likely excreted, there is concern that some may penetrate the gut lining, leading to inflammation or other gastrointestinal problems.

Cellular and Molecular Effects:

Due to their very small size, nanoplastics have the potential to cross cellular membranes and enter cells, possibly causing cellular damage or stress. This can result in oxidative stress, DNA damage, or inflammatory responses, which are precursors to various diseases, including cancer.

Endocrine Disruption:

Some studies suggest that plastics, along with the additives or pollutants they carry, can act as endocrine disruptors. These substances may interfere with hormone functions, potentially leading to reproductive health issues, developmental problems, and other hormone-related disorders.

Impact on the Immune System:

Continuous exposure to microplastics and nanoplastics may affect the immune system. These particles can trigger immune responses, which could lead to autoimmune diseases or weaken the body’s defense against other pathogens.

The extent of these health effects and the specific levels of exposure that pose significant risks are still under investigation. Since microplastics and nanoplastics have only recently emerged as a concern in environmental health, the full scope of their impact on human health remains to be fully understood. Ongoing research is essential to definitively link specific health outcomes to exposure and to unravel the mechanisms behind these effects.

Conclusion

We’ve now gained a comprehensive understanding of the scale of the plastic problem, the different categories of plastics, and their potential adverse effects on human health.

In our next article, we will explore practical steps that individuals can take to reduce the generation of micro and nano plastics. Stay tuned, as we publish one article each week to raise awareness about this pressing issue.