Microplastics & Nanoplastics in Human Tissues: Exposures, Accumulation Patterns, and Implications

The presence and distribution of microplastics in human tissues is shedding light on exposure and potential health consequences we all face. Peer Reviewed studies provide crucial information on the organs where microplastics can accumulate. The associated health implications are concerning[i]. The main areas of the human body where they can accumulate are;

1. Brian: Microplastics & nanoplastics have been shown to pass through the blood brain barrier. In studies it has been shown to adversely affect mammals. Exposure to these plastics can result in inhibition of acetylcholinesterase activity and altered neurotransmitter levels, which both may contribute to the reported behavioral changes[ii].
2. Gastrointestinal Tract: Presence of microplastics & nanoplastics in the gastrointestinal tract, including the stomach and intestines. This suggests that ingested microplastics can accumulate in the digestive system, potentially raising concerns about their interaction with gastrointestinal tissues[iii]–[iv].
3. Liver: Accumulation of these plastics are observed in the liver, a vital organ responsible for detoxification and metabolism. The study’s results indicate that microplastics can translocate to and accumulate in the liver tissues, posing potential challenges for liver function[v]–[vi].
4. Lungs: Inhalation is identified as a potential route of exposure, and the accumulation of these plastics in the lungs suggests a direct impact on respiratory organs[vii]–[viii].
5. Spleen: The spleen, a part of the immune system, is identified as another organ where these plastics are found. The study’s results imply that microplastics may circulate within the body and accumulate in organs associated with immune functions[ix]–[x].
6. Kidneys: Microplastics & nanoplastics have been detected in kidney tissues, emphasizing their distribution in vital organs involved in filtration and waste excretion. The study suggests that microplastics can enter and accumulate in the kidneys[xi]–[xii].

Implications for Human Health: The study underscores the need to assess the potential health implications of microplastic accumulation in human tissues. While the precise health effects are still under investigation, the presence of microplastics in organs raises concerns about their impact on organ function, immune responses, and overall health.

The study you provided, Microplastics in the Human Food Chain: A Review, investigates the presence of microplastics in various components of the human food chain. Here are the key findings from the study regarding where microplastics are found in the food chain:

Microplastics & Nanoplastics in the Human Food Chain: A Review

The study comprehensively explores the presence of microplastics in different stages of the human food chain, encompassing various food items and sources[xiii]–[xiv].

Seafood: Microplastics are prominently found in seafood, including fish[xv] and shellfish[xvi]. The study reveals that aquatic organisms can ingest microplastics from contaminated water, and these particles accumulate in their tissues. For example, in one study the 62% of the Atlantic chub mackerel were found to have microplastic contamination in the gastrointestinal tract[xvii]. Current studies estimate that 88% of the sea surface is contaminated with plastic waste[xviii].Consequently, seafood products such as fish and shellfish can become sources of microplastic exposure for humans.

Salt: The study identifies salt as a notable source of microplastics in the human diet[xix]. Seawater, being a reservoir for microplastics, can contribute to the contamination of sea salt. The processing and production of salt can introduce microplastics, ultimately reaching the consumer. When purchasing any sea salt products make sure the company is a reputable company and tests for microplastics and other contaminates such as heavy metals[xx].

Bottled Water: Microplastics are detected in bottled water, suggesting that the packaging and production processes may introduce these particles. In one study, the results were alarming. Originally plastic contamination focused around microplastics, which are much larger the nanoplastics. In one study the researchers focused on nanoplastics. They found, on average, that a one liter of bottled water contained about 240,000 pieces of plastic, and about 90% of the plastics were nanoplastics. This was 10 to 100 times more plastic particles than discovered in earlier studies[xxi].

Processed Foods: Microplastics are found in certain processed foods. The study indicates that packaging materials and processing equipment can introduce microplastics into food products. The inclusion of recycled plastics in packaging materials is identified as a potential source of contamination. Plastic cutting boards appear to be the source of microplastics in meat[xxii].

Meats, Vegetables and Fruits: While the study emphasizes a lower prevalence of microplastics in plant-based foods as compared to meats[xxiii], seafood, vegetables and fruits are not exempt. Agricultural practices, including the use of plastic mulch and irrigation systems, can contribute to the presence of microplastics in these food items.

Beverages: Microplastics are detected in various beverages, including beer[xxiv] and tea. Microplastics are tiny particles of plastic that are less than 5 millimeters in size. They can be generated through the breakdown of larger plastic items, such as bottles and packaging, or they can be intentionally manufactured at the microscale for various applications. Concerns about the presence of microplastics in beverages have arisen due to their potential impact on human health and the environment.

Body Care, Cosmetic and Personal Hygiene Products: They are used in various cosmetic and personal care items for their exfoliating, texturizing, and stabilizing properties. They can be found in everything, including body washes, soap[xxv], toothpaste[xxvi] and toothbrushes[xxvii].

Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) in Microplastics[xxviii]:

1. Adsorption and Absorption: PFAS can adsorb or absorb onto the surface of microplastics. This can occur when PFAS-contaminated water comes into contact with microplastics, leading to the attachment of PFAS molecules onto the plastic surface.
2. Persistence: Microplastics, being persistent in the environment, can act as carriers for PFAS. Due to their small size and widespread distribution, microplastics have the potential to transport PFAS over long distances.
3. Contaminated Sources: PFAS can originate from various sources such as industrial discharges, atmospheric deposition, and the breakdown of PFAS-containing products. If these sources coexist with microplastics, there’s a potential for PFAS to associate with microplastics in the environment.

Abundance of PFAS in the Environment[xxix]–[xxx]:

1. Water Bodies: PFAS are often detected in surface water and groundwater. Runoff from contaminated areas, industrial discharges, and atmospheric deposition contribute to the presence of PFAS in water bodies.
2. Soil: PFAS can accumulate in soil, especially in areas where PFAS-containing products are used or where industrial activities release these substances. The persistence of PFAS in soil contributes to their presence in the environment.
3. Air: PFAS have been identified in the atmosphere due to their release from industrial sources and other contamination routes. Atmospheric transport can contribute to the widespread distribution of PFAS. It is estimated that on average, one person inhales up to 22,000,000 micro and Neoplastic particles annually[xxxi]–[xxxii]–[xxxiii]–[xxxiv].

Bioaccumulation: PFAS can bioaccumulate in organisms, including human, aquatic and other terrestrial species. They can build up in the body[xxxv]. This bioaccumulation can also contribute to the presence of PFAS in the food chain, affecting various ecosystems.

IMPORTANT TIP: it is best to rinse off any area of the body after you use any body care or personal hygiene product. It is also a good idea to thrown out any plastic cutting boards, and replace them with board that are made of total natural products such as wood[xxxvi].

Citations

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