How exactly do microplastics end up in our bloodstream

Miniscule plastic particles are found in the human blood stream. Hardly surprising, is it not? As per the World Health Organization, we are now having a plastic pollution crisis. Since 1950, humans have produced over 8 billion tons of plastic, and only 9% has been recycled. In fact, India comes in third and produces 7.4 million tons of plastic per year.

The important question here is: Where does this plastic go?

According to Dr. Sanmay Chowdhary, Physician and Intensivist, Ruby Hall Clinic Pune, “One of the scariest answers is that tiny, microscopic plastic particles are entering the bloodstream and affecting multiple organs and organ systems. Microplastics do not have a clear definition but are roughly sized 1 micrometer to 5 mm. (Microplastics Entering Blood Could Further Harm Cardiovascular Health, 2024”
They are ubiquitously present. They are present in the fruits and vegetables we consume, in cosmetics, and in plastic water bottles; in fact, they are also present in the breast milk and placenta!
Multiple studies have proven microplastics circulating in the blood stream (Gaspar et al., 2023) (Leslie et al., 2022). Although not proven yet, there is growing evidence that microplastics have implications for cardiovascular health, dysregulation of hormones, and also affect male fertility.
Plastics enter the bloodstream by either inhalation, ingestion, or the transdermal route.

How exactly do microplastics end up in our bloodstream?

Microplastics can enter the bloodstream through various pathways:
1. Inhalation: A small particle of plastic can easily be engulfed in a cloud of dust that we tend to inhale; this may penetrate our lungs and may even enter the bloodstream. It can enter our lungs when we inhale the air present in heavily industrialized regions of urban areas.
2. Ingestion: Popular types of microplastics include those that are consumed in food and drinking water. It is capable of being ingested and then passing through the gastrointestinal and then into the circulatory systems.
3. Skin absorption: Research indicates that microplastics can be absorbed through the skin if they are found in creams, lotions, and other topical applications. This contamination can also happen via the skin through cosmetics and skin products.
4. Environmental exposure: According to Dr. Murtaza S Bagwala, Head of Emergency Medical Services, Saifee Hospital, Mumbai, “It indicates that microplastics can be transported to water and soil through industrial processes and urban runoff and taken in by humans in the form of water or inhaled. It can enter when we eat food wrapped in plastic packaging, sea food, and wildlife who have consumed the plastic dumped as waste.”
5. Cell uptake: Some data suggest that microplastic may be internalized by cells in the human body and enter the bloodstream.
As research continues, scientists are still exploring the full extent of how microplastics affect human health and how they can enter the bloodstream.

Since plastic is present everywhere, how do we reduce the invisible consumption?

Using stainless steel water bottles, glass containers for microwave purposes, and glass, wood, or metal containers in the kitchen can help reduce the microplastic intake. In fact, we can use clothes made of cotton and wool and avoid the use of spandex, nylon, and polyester.
A small tip to Mumbaikers would be carrying cloth bags to the market for vegetables instead of using plastic bags. Other simple solutions are available here: https://prhe.ucsf.edu/toxic-matters.
Concluding, we clearly cannot live without plastic and unnecessarily vilify it. It is one of the beneficial innovations of the 21st century. All we need to do is use them judiciously and avoid overuse so that it does not percolate all ecosystems, including human beings.