Microplastics: Should we be worried?

    Throughout high school and college, I would spend my summers working in construction with my dad. Every day before work we would stop at a gas station and purchase 24-pack of bottled water to drink throughout the day. Without fail, we would drink the entire pack in one day. Looking back, I can’t help but wonder how many microplastic particles we must have unknowingly consumed and if it has had or could have any future consequences.  

     Studies have shown that specifically, bottled water, contains high levels of microplastics when compared to regular tap water, with an average of about 300 particles per liter. A different study estimates that the average person consumes around 50,000 microplastics a year! Microplastics are plastic particles that are 5 mm or less. However, when most people think of microplastics they think of its subgroup, nano plastics, which are particles less than 1mm in size. Now the question is, what can these tiny particles do to us?

 

    Once microplastics have entered the body they can travel throughout the body via our blood and even cross cell membranes. In a study published by the journal of Environmental Science and Pollution Research, it was found that accumulation of microplastics in the ovaries of female mice led to a decreased size in follicles and ovaries. The accumulation of microplastics was also found to cause a significant decline in the pregnancy rate and embryo production among the mice, ultimately causing a decline in fertility. Lastly, as microplastic presence increased granulosa cell apoptosis increased, further inhibiting fertility. Granulosa cells are cells of the ovaries that produce hormones and support egg development. Although the study did not include much research on male mice, it is likely that there may be similar results.

    Microplastics have silently infiltrated almost every aspect of our daily lives, even showing up in the air we breathe. While research on the effects of microplastics is still on going, research that is available is pointing towards various ways in which microplastics can be harmful including causing inflammation, hormonal imbalances, and reproductive harm. I encourage everyone to do their part in minimizing these effects by taking preventative steps such as, using glass or metal water bottles, filtering tap water, and supporting legislation that prohibits further microplastic pollution.

Afreen, V., Hashmi, K., Nasir, R., Saleem, A., Khan, M. I., & Akhtar, M. F. (2023). Adverse health effects and mechanisms of microplastics on female reproductive system: a descriptive review. Environmental science and pollution research international, 30(31), 76283–76296. https://doi-org.dml.regis.edu/10.1007/s11356-023-27930-1

Mason SA, Welch VG, Neratko J. Synthetic Polymer Contamination in Bottled Water. Front Chem. 2018 Sep 11;6:407. doi: 10.3389/fchem.2018.00407. PMID: 30255015; PMCID: PMC6141690.