Hidden danger can cause infertility, colon cancer, lung problems
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Researchers say that deteriorating car tires and decomposing garbage are sending minute plastic fragments into the air, which may be fueling infertility, colon cancer and respiratory illnesses.
There’s long been concern about how exposure to microplastics — found in cosmetics and toothpaste and shed from food containers and clothing — can hurt humans. Growing evidence suggests that these particles smaller than a grain of rice can damage cells, trigger inflammation and disrupt the balance of bacteria in the gut.
Microplastics are particles smaller than a grain of rice that are found in cosmetics and toothpaste and shed from food containers and clothing. Researchers have expressed concern about the harmful effects they can have on human health. Getty Images
After reviewing 3,000 studies on the matter, researchers from UC San Francisco (UCSF) concluded that microplastics are “suspected” to harm reproductive, digestive and respiratory health, with a suggested link to colon and lung cancer.
“Microplastics are basically particulate matter air pollution, and we know this type of air pollution is harmful,” said senior study author Tracey J. Woodruff, a UCSF professor of obstetrics, gynecology and reproductive sciences.
The research team reports that companies worldwide generate nearly 460 million metric tons of plastic each year — a number that is expected to rise to 1.1 billion by 2050.
There are two main types of microplastics — primary and secondary.
Primary microplastics serve a specific purpose, such as microbeads in cosmetic products to exfoliate skin.
Secondary microplastics form when larger pieces of plastic debris break down.
The wearing and tearing of car tires due to friction on the road is a significant source of plastic in the air, the UCSF researchers said.
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The research team reports there is “moderate” evidence that microplastics adversely affect ovarian follicles, reproductive hormones, the colon, small intestine and lung function. Getty Images/iStockphoto
Humans inhale and ingest these plastic chunks, with one study estimating that Americans consume 39,000 to 52,000 microplastic particles a year.
Microplastics have been detected in human placentas, lungs, liver, urine, breast milk and blood.
The UCSF researchers found “high”-quality evidence that microplastics harm sperm quality and testicular health and weaken the immune system.
They reported there is “moderate” evidence that microplastics adversely affect ovarian follicles, reproductive hormones, the colon, small intestine and lung function.
The researchers are calling for more studies on the potential health effects of microplastics. Getty Images/iStockphoto
The findings were published Wednesday in the journal Environmental Science & Technology.
The researchers noted their review relied on rodent studies, and future research should investigate additional health outcomes and identify ways to reduce exposure to microplastics.
