From the highest peaks to our deepest oceans, recent studies demonstrate that microplastics blanket our entire planet. These microplastics, as they are known, are defined as plastic fragments measuring between 1 micron and 5 millimeters. These tiny particles have been detected on the peak of Mount Everest and at the bottom of every ocean. They are environmental and public health disasters waiting to happen. According to Dr. Cassandra Rauert, a leading researcher in this emerging field, taking individual steps to reduce exposure is key. As her colleague Pseudoonomo notes, addressing the challenge of plastic goes beyond consumption to the need for addressing upstream plastic production, and that takes an international fight.
Microplastics are the new big scary pollutant! They’re contaminating the air and water, and you can even find them in your food and common household products. Beyond the science, Dr. Rauert stresses that these pollutants are the result of many sources. They can originate in the water treatment process as well as from synthetic materials used in clothing. Thus, knowing how to minimize microplastic exposure inside the home is key to protecting health and well-being.
Understanding Microplastics and Their Sources
Microplastics are commonly characterized as plastic particles between 1 micron and 5 millimeters. Plastic microfibers may be produced from the degradation of other plastic sources. In fact, they’re much more commonly released directly into the environment from products such as synthetic clothing. Dr. Rauert draws attention to the concerning prevalence of these particles.
Microplastics are everywhere, she states. Unfortunately, microplastics is a highly under-researched field.
This nascent field has revealed the ubiquity of microplastics in all manner of environments, from tap water to the air, and recently even in food products. Dr Rauert’s research team found nano- and microplastics at low levels in food from standard Australian supermarkets. This finding further illustrates how deeply embedded these pollutants have filtered into our food supply chain.
Microplastics can come from things we all use at home. For example, textiles laundering especially using tumble dryers, deposes microplastic fibers in high concentrations indoors, under largely unregulated use of synthetic textiles. Consider that clothing fibers release tiny particles into the air just by washing and drying their clothes. Unfortunately, these particles accumulate on surfaces, carpets, and in our indoor environments.
A lot of our carpets are polypropylene, Dr. Rauert explains. As the carpet’s fibers start to wear down, they come apart. This process releases millions of tiny polypropylene fibers into the atmosphere.
Health Implications of Microplastics
The possible health impacts of microplastics have increasingly become a topic of concern among scientists and doctors. Animal studies have indicated that microplastics produce harmful inflammatory responses in the body. We really don’t have that much solid evidence of their effect on human health.
There have been a plethora of recent studies documenting the presence of microplastics in different parts of the human body. Despite their advantages, they are limited and challenged. Dr. Rauert notes, “We really don’t have good data showing that plastics are ending up in our brains or our liver or our placenta and things like that.”
While there are still many unknowns about microplastic exposures, a growing body of research indicates troubling associations with development and other major health conditions. Specifically, Dr. Rauert points to studies showing connections between microplastics and risk of type 2 diabetes.
“It’s these chemicals that we are more concerned about exposure to than the plastic itself,” she adds.
Researchers continue to study the effects of microplastic exposure. Dr. Rauert cautions that there is a “double whammy” when people are both inhaling microplastics and absorbing the chemicals that cling to them.
Practical Steps for Reducing Exposure
Though we wait for robust scientific studies to be done on microplastics and their health impacts, Dr. Rauert provides some actionable advice. These findings allow people to reduce their risks in their own homes. Simple actions can make a significant difference.
One example of a common recommendation is to open windows and doors regularly to help air out indoor spaces. This practice not only prevents the build-up of microplastics on roadways, but reduces harmful air pollution.
“Outdoor air has fewer microplastics than indoor air, especially in winter,” Dr. Rauert explains, underscoring the importance of fresh air circulation for reducing indoor pollution levels.
Moreover, home filtration of tap water can help to remove many of the larger microplastics found in our drinking water as well. Though cessation of all potential exposure isn’t feasible, even with the most comprehensive filters, it can go a long way towards reducing possible exposure from this avenue.
“I reckon in the next couple of years there probably will be some microplastic-filtering devices on the market,” Dr. Rauert predicts.
With regard to household cleaning, frequent dusting and vacuuming can reduce indoor microplastic concentrations. By keeping surfaces cleaner, people can reduce the amount of fine particles they are exposed to through the air.
The Need for Global Action
Dr. Rauert stresses that a larger collective action is necessary to tackle the root causes of plastic pollution. She pushes for more holistic approaches focused on production, particularly strategies to reduce plastic production internationally.
There are small things individuals can do, she states. But a larger, unified global push is necessary to curb plastic production.
The need for these efforts couldn’t be more urgent. Microplastics are found in virtually every inch of the planet, and they threaten our ecosystem and humanity. As helpful as this research is, communities, policymakers, and everyday people need to come together. Together, they can produce the most innovative solutions necessary to combat this urgent threat.
