What Are Microplastics?
Microplastics are tiny plastic particles less than 5 millimeters in size, so we rarely see them, but we now know they’re there. They come from a variety of sources, including larger plastic debris that breaks down over time, as well as microbeads found in some personal care products. These small particles are now widespread in our environment, found in oceans, rivers, and even the air we breathe.
Why are functional medicine providers and naturopathic medical doctors providers spooked about microplastics? Naturopathic medicine is all about preventing chronic illness and disease, and we now know that these microplastics cause increased risks for human health.
Health Complications of Microplastics
The presence of microplastics in our environment raises concerns about potential health risks. When ingested or inhaled, microplastics can carry harmful chemicals into our bodies. Studies suggest that these particles may cause inflammation, disrupt hormones, and even lead to cancer. Although research is ongoing, the potential for long-term health effects is a growing concern. Naturopathic medicine providers work to educate patients about this growing concern because they know environmental toxicities impact health outcomes.
Furthermore, recent studies have revealed alarming findings about microplastics in human organs. Researchers have discovered these tiny plastic particles in various organs, including the lungs, liver, kidneys, testicles and even placenta. The presence of microplastics in these vital organs raises concerns about their potential impact on human health. Scientists are investigating how these particles enter the body and their long-term effects. While the full implications are still being studied, there is growing evidence that microplastics could contribute to inflammation and other health issues. These findings highlight the urgent need for further research and action to address microplastic pollution.
One recent study looked at the harm of a chemical in these plastics called BBP. It evaluated roundworms and reveals that benzyl butyl phthalate (BBP), a common plastic additive, can cause DNA strand breaks, leading to egg cells with incorrect chromosome numbers. The research highlights BBP’s role in making plastics more flexible, found in items like food packaging and toys. While BBP is known to disrupt hormones and affect human reproduction, the specifics were unclear until now.
The study found that exposure levels similar to those in humans disrupt chromosome distribution in sex cells. BBP induces oxidative stress and DNA breaks, resulting in cell death and chromosomal abnormalities in egg cells. Researchers suggest that BBP exposure changes gene expression, damaging DNA and producing lower quality egg cells. Since the study’s subject metabolizes BBP like mammals, it serves as a good model for human impact studies. This research emphasizes the toxic effects of BBP on reproduction, with findings showing that exposure levels found in human serum and urine compromise genomic integrity and cause errors in chromosome segregation.
How to Avoid Microplastics
Reducing exposure to microplastics is challenging but possible. Here are some steps you can take:
- Reduce Plastic Use: Opt for reusable bags, bottles, and containers instead of single-use plastics. Water, beverages, and food should especially be stored in glass or metal containers when possible. The thin, disposable, plastic water bottles should be used for emergencies only.
- Choose Natural Products: Avoid personal care products with microbeads. Check labels for ingredients like polyethylene or polypropylene.
- Filter Your Water: Use a water filter that can remove microplastics to ensure cleaner drinking water.
- Support Legislation: Advocate for policies that reduce plastic production and improve waste management.
- Educate Others: Share information about microplastics and their impact to raise awareness and encourage collective action.
By taking these steps, we can help minimize the presence of microplastics in our environment and reduce potential health risks.
Our licensed naturopathic medical doctor (NMD) and certified functional medicine physician offers comprehensive naturopathic health consultations in Meridian / Boise, Idaho. Free discovery calls are available!
