We have known for years that plastic molecules have made their way into everything from the air, to drinking water to the food that we eat. A recent study has exposed that we have drastically underestimated how many particles of plastic there might be in our food and water supply. A new study looked at bottled waters and found there to be nearly 1,000x more particles of plastic than previously thought.
To this point, we've only looked at micromolecules of plastic exposure but new technology has allowed us to look at nanomolecules of plastic. The problem with these smaller particles of plastic is that they are even more dangerous since they can make it through the intestines, into our blood vessels and easily pass through the membranes which serve to protect our cells. You wouldn't swallow a pea sized piece of plastic on purpose however our cells are doing the equivalent to that when taking size into account.
Toxicity and Chemical Exposure:
Nanoplastics can carry and release potentially harmful chemicals and additives used in the manufacturing process. Ingesting these particles may lead to exposure to toxic substances.
Bioaccumulation:
Nanoplastics may be ingested by organisms at the lower levels of the food chain, and as they move up the food chain, the concentration of nanoplastics can increase through a process known as bioaccumulation. This can result in higher exposure levels for animals higher up in the food web, including humans.
Tissue Penetration:
Nanoplastics have the potential to penetrate biological tissues, including the gastrointestinal tract. The small size of these particles allow them to cross cellular barriers and enter organs, potentially causing localized damage.
Inflammatory Responses:
Ingesting nanoplastics may trigger inflammatory responses within the gastrointestinal tract and other tissues. Chronic inflammation is associated with various health issues, including gastrointestinal disorders.
Genotoxicity:
Some studies suggest that nanoplastics may have genotoxic effects, potentially causing damage to DNA and contributing to the development of mutations. This raises concerns about long-term health effects and the potential for nanoplastics to be carcinogenic.
Disruption of Gut Microbiota:
Nanoplastics may interact with the gut microbiota, which plays a crucial role in maintaining human health. Disruption of the balance in gut bacteria could have implications for digestion, nutrient absorption, and overall well-being.
Hormonal Disruption:
There is some concern that nanoplastics may have endocrine-disrupting properties, interfering with the normal functioning of hormones in the body. This disruption could lead to various health issues, especially for vulnerable populations like pregnant women and developing fetuses.
Unknown Long-Term Effects:
The long-term health effects of chronic exposure to nanoplastics are not fully understood. Research is ongoing to assess the cumulative impact of ingesting nanoplastics over extended periods.
It is more important than ever to try and reduce the number of these plastics that are in our food and drinks. Whether it is sourcing our food from local farmers or drinking tap water (which has shown to have significantly less microplastics when compared to bottle water)
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