July 1, 2024. Microplastics, defined as plastic particles less than five millimeters in diameter, have become an ubiquitous contaminant in our global ecosystem. Often invisible to the naked eye, these minute pollutants infiltrate our oceans, rivers, and even the air we breathe, and pose a threat to both human health and the environment.
Originating from the breakdown of larger plastic waste, microbeads used in consumer products, and other everyday sources, these particles are now found in our water, food, and air. They are so omnipresent that they’ve even been found in human breast milk. They pose severe risks to marine life, ecosystems, and human health, raising alarms among scientists and environmentalists.
In this post, we delve into the harsh truth about microplastics, uncovering the extent of their impact and the urgent need for action to mitigate this growing crisis.
Trust us because…
What are microplastics and how are they formed?
Microplastics are tiny plastic particles less than five millimeters in diameter, resulting from the breakdown of larger plastic debris. They form through the gradual degradation of plastic products due to environmental exposure, such as sunlight, wind, and water
The process happens in many different ways: plastic bags drift into the ocean, where, after being tossed around by the waves and bombarded with UV radiation, they fall apart. Tires, now mainly made of a plastic known as synthetic rubber, abrade as they roll around, sending clouds of particles into the air. Clothes are increasingly made with plastics, from polyester to nylon, and are constantly shedding their synthetic fibers everywhere.
Understanding the pervasive nature and formation of microplastics, from what we’re wearing to what we’re using, underscores the urgent need for innovative solutions to mitigate their impact.
Where are microplastics found in the human body?
Every year, new research reveals the growing extent of human exposure to microplastics. A landmark 2021 study discovered microplastics in human placentas. Soon after, researchers in Germany and Austria found microplastics in meconium, a newborn’s first stool. In 2022, a study involving 34 healthy mothers in Italy revealed that 75% of breast milk samples contained microplastics. This evidence indicates that babies are ingesting these particles even before birth, posing a significant threat to human health. A more recent study found microplastics in human testicles, leading toxicologists to announce they now expect to find microplastics in every part of the human body.
How do microplastics impact human health?
Once ingested or inhaled, these tiny plastic particles can accumulate in various organs, potentially causing inflammation and cellular damage. Research suggests that microplastics may disrupt endocrine function, leading to hormonal imbalances. Additionally, they can carry toxic chemicals and pathogens, which may further exacerbate their harmful effects. Long-term exposure is particularly worrisome, as it might contribute to a range of health issues, including respiratory problems, gastrointestinal disturbances, and even cancer.
A 2024 study published by The New England Journal of Medicine found that patients with microplastics in their arterial plaque were 4.5 times more likely to suffer a severe cardiovascular health outcome, including heart attack, stroke, or death. Another study discovered that individuals with inflammatory bowel disease had a higher concentration of microplastics in their feces compared to healthy individuals.
Although the full extent of their impact is still being studied, the presence of microplastics in the human body underscores the urgent need for further research and effective measures to reduce plastic pollution.
How do microplastics get into our food supply?
Seafood
Eating seafood is one way humans are exposed to microplastics: As of 2016, 90% of US seafood was imported from geographic regions with significant waste leakage. In aquatic environments, plastic debris breaks down into microplastics, which are then ingested by small marine organisms, like planktonic organisms and larvae. These particles move up the food chain, ultimately reaching the plates of human consumers. Researchers are still investigating the differences between farmed and wild-caught seafood. Because fish farmed in aquaculture environments typically have shorter lifespans, and live in more controlled conditions, it’s possible they have a lower risk of microplastic exposure.
Meat & Dairy
When plastic waste breaks down in soil and water sources, it mixes with animal feed crops, which livestock then consume. Additionally, grazing on polluted pastures and drinking contaminated water also introduce microplastics into their bodies. Over time, these particles accumulate, eventually ending up in the meat and dairy products that humans consume. In 2022, researchers at the Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam (VUA) in the Netherlands discovered that 75% of meat and milk products tested contained microplastics.
Plant-based Foods
Studies have shown that common fruits and vegetables such as apples, tomatoes, and carrots can contain significant amounts of microplastics. Microplastics infiltrate plant-based foods primarily through contaminated soil and water, as the plants absorb microplastics through their roots.
Are there different types of microplastics?
Yes. Microplastics can be broadly broken into two types: primary and secondary microplastics.
Primary microplastics…
…are tiny pieces of plastic that are intentionally manufactured for commercial use: think of the fibers in textiles and small exfoliating beads in cosmetics (These are microfibers and microbeads).
Secondary microplastics…
…on the other hand, stem from the breakdown of larger plastic debris, especially single-use items like bottles, bags, and fishing nets. Over time, environmental forces such as sunlight, wind, and ocean waves break these plastics into smaller and smaller fragments.
Both types of microplastics have contaminated our land and sea, creating a planet-wide crisis.
As the microplastic crisis gets worse, yet another category has emerged.
Nanoplastics…
…are an even smaller subset of microplastic, typically defined as plastic particles less than 1 micrometer in size. These tiny particles are often the result of the further breakdown of microplastics, though they can also originate from industrial processes.
Nanoplastics are particularly concerning because their minute size allows them to penetrate biological tissues and cells more easily: they can be inhaled, ingested, or absorbed through the skin, raising concerns about their ability to bypass biological barriers and accumulate in organs. In the environment, nanoplastics can interact with pollutants and organisms at a molecular level, leading to complex ecological consequences we don’t fully understand yet.
What about microbeads and microfibers?
Microbeads
About fifty years ago, microbeads began appearing in personal care products as cosmetics manufacturers discovered they could replace natural exfoliants with these tiny plastic particles. Microbeads, found in products like toothpaste, body scrubs, and face wash, offered effective exfoliation but soon proved to be hazardous. Due to their minuscule size, microbeads would easily pass through wastewater treatment plants and end up in waterways, where fish and other marine life often mistook them for food, causing significant ecological damage.
Recognizing this environmental threat, President Obama signed the Microbead-Free Waters Act into law in 2015, initiating a phase-out and eventual complete ban on the production of products containing microbeads by July 2018. Despite these regulations, microbeads remain present in some regions. Consumers can identify products containing microbeads by checking for ingredients like polyethylene, polypropylene, polyethylene terephthalate, polymethyl methacrylate, polylactic acid, or nylon on the label.
Microfibers
Microfibers are tiny synthetic fibers which shed from textiles, particularly during the washing process. When clothing made from materials like polyester and nylon is laundered, these microfibers are released into the wastewater, contributing to environmental contamination. The issue is exacerbated as the production of synthetic fiber clothing increases: according to Textile Exchange, synthetic fibers currently make up 64% of the global fiber market.
Efforts to combat microfiber pollution are gaining momentum, but progress is slow. The California legislature, for example, recently considered a bill that would mandate all new residential washing machines sold in the state to include microfiber filters starting in 2029. Unfortunately, Governor Gavin Newsom vetoed the legislation, citing concerns about increased costs to consumers. This setback highlights the ongoing challenge of addressing microfiber pollution, which necessitates enhanced waste management systems and robust global measures to promote more sustainable textile production.
How effective are current water filtration systems at removing microplastics?
Current water filtration systems vary in their effectiveness at removing microplastics. While some advanced filtration technologies can significantly reduce the presence of these tiny particles, others may not be as efficient.
Advanced technologies like reverse osmosis (RO) and ceramic filters are among the most effective. RO systems can filter out particles as small as 0.0001 microns. Ceramic filters, with pore sizes around 0.2 microns, also perform well in capturing microplastics, bacteria, and other contaminants. However, less advanced methods may only filter out the largest microplastics.
At Bevi, we believe you should trust that your water is good for you—so we put the work into figuring out a state-of-the-art filtration system. We use a state-of-the-art carbon filter, small enough to capture 99.9% of bacteria, chlorine, and sediment. Our Smart Water Cooler® machines filter out essentially all of the microplastics typically found in drinking water.
Are there microplastics in bottled water?
Yes. Shockingly, a growing body of evidence reveals that bottled water contains significantly more microplastics than tap water, with as much as twice as many particles. A recent study, which sampled more than 250 bottled water products sold in 9 countries, found microplastic contamination in 93% of water bottles.
The bottled water industry isn’t stringently regulated—at least not as much as our municipal tap systems. This means that even water marketed as “pure” can still be full of contaminants. This research highlights that the bottled water available at your local grocery store or deli can contain heavy amounts of microplastics, despite claims of purity and safety. This underscores the need for stricter regulations and better consumer awareness regarding bottled water quality.
So, what can you do to reduce your microplastics exposure?
The beverage industry is the main culprit in the accumulation of microplastics, with 85% of plastic bottles ending up as waste. The easiest way to reduce your microplastic exposure also means taking a leap to reduce the plastic waste problem: avoid buying bottled water when possible.
To reduce your exposure to microplastics, consider switching to a reusable bottle. Bevi’s Smart Water Coolers® can help your office, workplace, or retail space make the switch by offering filtered, flavored, and unflavored water at the tap of a button.
Additional tips include using glass Tupperware, avoiding single-use plastics for food storage, and opting for wood or bamboo cutting boards. Research shows that plastic cutting boards are an often overlooked source of microplastics, as repeated cutting dislodges plastic particles that can adhere to food.
What’s being done to address the microplastics crisis?
Addressing the microplastics crisis requires a comprehensive and coordinated effort across multiple sectors. Thankfully, governments around the world are beginning to implement policies aimed at reducing plastic waste and preventing microplastic pollution. Canada and the European Union, for example, are leading the way with broader restrictions on single-use plastic and increasing funding for research into biodegradable alternatives. The EU’s zero-pollution action plan addresses the microplastics problem directly, targeting a 30% microplastic pollution reduction by 2030.
In the United States, the New York Attorney General Letitia James filed a landmark lawsuit against PepsiCo, claiming the company endangers the environment and public health with plastic pollution.
Keep an eye out for microplastics…
The microplastic crisis is serious. In the coming years, we hope to see more governments and industries implement effective policies to promote the use of sustainable materials and reduce the use of single-use plastics. With comprehensive strategies mitigating the impact of microplastics, we can protect our ecosystems and ensure a healthier future for coming generations.
In the meantime, it’s important not to discount individual action. In the microplastics crisis, the bottled water industry has proven to be the biggest culprit, and reshaping consumer demand for single-use beverages makes a huge difference. By making the switch to a reusable bottle, you’re advocating for sustainability. Join us in unbottling the future.
Ruby Sutton
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