Humans Consume 39,000-52,000 Microplastics a Year
Health Effects May Include Reproductive and Digestive Issues
The rising concern around microplastics’ effect on water quality and human health has accelerated after a new study estimated humans consume 39,000 – 52,000 microplastics a year. According to the study, individuals that consume the recommended amount of tap water could be ingesting an additional 4,000 plastic particles every year due to particles shed from plastic pipes or already present in water supplies.
“It’s probably the case that more plastic is being added than we realize,” said Kieran Cox, the author of the study.
How Did We Get Here?
Microplastics are small pieces of plastic (less than 5 millimeters in length) shed by plastic products as they’re damaged by natural forces, such as exposure to UV light or physical abrasion. Such effects break down polymers over time, releasing plastic particles into the environment.
Health Effects of Microplastics
The damage microplastics inflict on human health is still being researched. However, a study from John Hopkins University found microplastic build up can harm the immune system and disrupt the human gut’s balance. It’s also well known that microplastics release chemical additives that are harmful to human health or reproduction, as demonstrated by studies examining the toxicity of microplastics.
According to Leah Bendell, an ecotoxicologist at Simon Fraser University, microplastics have “different personalities” as they come from different forms of plastic. Some plastics release toxic chemicals, while others provide suitable environments for bacteria and parasites. These differences have already been observed among various types of plastic pipes.
Eliminating exposure to microplastics will not be straightforward. Plastic and plastic waste are now everywhere. To reduce the amount consumed through tap water sources, occupants may need to add water filters designed to remove microplastics. Ultimately, the solution will need to include reducing use of both durable and single-use plastics, replacing items like plastic piping and water bottles with more sustainable alternatives.