Parker, L. (2023, May 8). Microplastics are in our bodies. How much do they harm us? National Geographic; National Geographic.
Microplastics are a growing environmental concern due to their presence in our air, water, and food, and their potential harm to human health. This article from National Geographic discusses how microplastics have infiltrated our bodies, with estimates ranging from 1,000 to 5,000 particles per person. The article also discusses the potential effects of microplastics, such as inflammation and hormonal disruption, and their possible role in other diseases like obesity, asthma, and autoimmune conditions. The article also clarifies that while it’s easy to find a correlation between these issues, because of the sheer amount of chemicals, we’re exposed to in our daily lives, it’s hard to identify a clear correlation. It also emphasizes the need for more research and regulatory action.
While the specific implications of microplastics in the human body remain largely unknown, their presence presents a significant risk to public health. Microplastics are capable of acting as carriers for various pollutants and toxins, and may themselves possess potential toxicity. These characteristics can cause a wide range of adverse effects which could contribute to a range of chronic illnesses. Additionally, the potential implications for reproductive health and immune function are potentially worrying, with the possibility of widespread chronic and degenerative illnesses. As a result, the presence of microplastics in the body requires further investigation.
I agree with you that it’s very scary to think about the possible side effects, especially because we aren’t even quite sure what they are. The lack of awareness and research surrounding microplastics is very alarming, but realistically not that surprising because it seems hard to minimize your exposure to them. Do you think people need to be more aware of what microplastics are and how to prevent exposure to them? Or would it just cause more panic than it’s worth?
Microplastics circulating in our bodies is a crazy thought, and its scary that its actually a reality. It also seems like a difficult problem to solve because water all over the planet has plastics in it, and its notsomething that can just get filtered out (of the water or our bodies)
This is a major concern. Once I noticed microplastics were in nearly everything we consume I could not unsee it. We get them from our food packaging, our clothes, consumer products, and nearly all facets of Western life. While I think it’s terrible that plastics became relied on so heavily, I’m glad we are acknowledging its negative impacts. Hopefully, this next generation will be the last with microplastics in their bodies. Do you think these microplastics will be a part of human life for the next few generations? I guarantee in the next couple decades we will get studies that further prove microplastic’s negative effect on our health.