什麼是微塑料? 它如何傷害我們以及如何避免它

What are microplastics

Plastic is used all over the world. Unfortunately, plastics can cause serious environmental pollution due to their limited biodegradability.

Microplastics are plastic fragments, and the smallest plastics are called nanoplastics (1 nm [nm] to 1 μm [μm]) and microplastics (1 μm-5 mm).

They come from a variety of sources, including larger plastic items that break down into smaller pieces, microbeads used in personal care products, fibers shed from synthetic clothing and particles released during the degradation of plastic waste.

These particles can persist in the environment for hundreds or even thousands of years and are found almost everywhere, from the remote depths of the ocean to the air we breathe and the food we eat.

Research estimates that the average adult consumes about 2,000 microplastics through salt every year [1].

Plastic classification

Based on size classification , they are usually divided into:

  • Large plastic (2.5-100 cm)
  • Mesoscopic plastic (0.1 - 2.5 cm)
  • Microplastics (1000 μm–1μm)
  • Nanoplastic (<1 μm)

Many plastic polymers can cause M-NPL contamination, including: [2]

  • Polystyrene (PS)
  • polylactic acid
  • Polyurethane (PU)
  • Polyethylene (PE)
  • Polyoxymethylene (POM)
  • Polyethylene terephthalate (PET)
  • Polyamide (PA)
  • Polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA)
  • Polypropylene (PP)
  • Styrene acrylate
  • Polyvinyl chloride (PVC)
  • Styrene acrylate

Impact on people and the environment

Microplastics are a global environmental pollutant that can contaminate ecosystems such as soil, water, and sediments. This pollution leads to habitat degradation, ecosystem damage and biodiversity loss.

Marine life such as fish and seabirds can mistakenly ingest microplastics, causing physical harm, internal injuries and digestive tract obstructions.

These nano and microplastics can enter the human body through the respiratory system through inhalation, enter the digestive tract through the consumption of contaminated food and water, or penetrate the skin through contact with cosmetics and clothing.

The concentration of microplastics in the terrestrial environment is increasing. Microplastics cause damage to soil structure; damage soil microbiota, causing soil nutrient depletion, and plant uptake of nutrients will reduce plant growth.

Microplastics can get into fruits, vegetables, seeds, roots, stems and leaves. As a result, microplastics enter the food chain.

There are different entry points for microplastics into the food chain. These sources can include contaminated food, beverages, spices, plastic toys, packaging and cooking.

Bioaccumulation of plastic in the human body may lead to a range of health problems .

The toxicity of microplastics depends on their shape and size, and increases with their adsorption capacity and toxicity.

Although accurate assessment of human exposure to nanoplastics is challenging due to a lack of validated methods and standardization across analytical procedures , most studies to date have confirmed that nano and microplastics can induce apoptosis and have genetic Toxicity and cytotoxic effects.

Microplastics in the human body

Organisms, especially humans, are exposed to microplastics through three main pathways: ingestion, inhalation and skin contact [2] .

The presence of microplastics in the human body has been confirmed. Microplastics enter the body in different possible ways. Depending on how they enter the human body, microplastics can cause different diseases in humans.

Studies have shown that it is present in various parts of the human body , such as sputum, saliva, hair, skin, feces [2] , lungs [3], maternal and fetal placenta tissue [4] , breast milk [5] and blood [6] Microplastics discovered.

M-NPL is distributed through blood, transcellular, and paracellular transport. They interact with cell membranes through various forces. They are toxic to multiple organ systems. Once internalized by cells, they accumulate in organelles. M-NPL toxicity is related to ROS generation, oxidative stress, Nrf2 and Wnt/β-Catenin signaling pathways. Inflammatory and pro-inflammatory cytokines are also a consequence of M-NPL exposure. M-NPL can induce autophagy, cell membrane destruction and apoptosis [2].

Impact of microplastics on fish and human health

In 1997, it was estimated that more than 200 aquatic animal species would suffer from entanglement in plastic debris [7] . However, as the accumulation of plastic debris in marine ecosystems continues to grow exponentially, the worst-case scenarios are expected to occur in the coming years [2] .

Mismanagement and misuse of plastics have led to widespread contamination of the aquatic environment, affecting all levels of the ecosystem. Fish are easily exposed to microplastics, which are toxic and can accumulate in the digestive tract and other tissues, causing health problems. Humans who eat plastic-contaminated fish are also exposed to these harmful particles, leading to chronic diseases [8] .

How to avoid microplastics in food

Drink filtered tap water

Tap water may contain microplastics, but using a carbon block or distillation filter can effectively remove them. Carbon block filters capture microplastics and other contaminants, while distillation filters heat the water to eliminate impurities.

Limit eating seafood

Be careful about microplastic contamination when consuming seafood. Cook seafood well to break down microplastics, and remove skin and internal organs, as they tend to accumulate microplastics.

Eat more fresh, natural foods

Processed foods like potato chips and frozen meals contain large amounts of microplastics, which break down into harmful chemicals. To reduce exposure, choose unprocessed or minimally processed foods. While some fresh produce may contain microplastics, the levels are still lower compared to processed convenience foods. Also, switch to loose leaf tea instead of bagged tea to avoid ingesting microplastics.

Use loose leaf tea instead of tea bags

Brewing plastic tea bags releases microplastics and nanoplastics. Choose loose leaf tea and use reusable linen tea bags or tea balls.

Avoid single-use packaging , cups and straws

To reduce exposure to harmful chemicals and microplastics, consider bringing your own reusable cutlery and containers when ordering takeout. Plastic to-go containers and disposable cups can leach chemicals into hot food and drinks. By using bamboo cutlery, metal or glass containers, and informing restaurants of your own containers, you can help reduce plastic waste and its long-term impact on the environment.

Replace plastic to-go cups and straws with reusable alternatives to reduce microplastic exposure. Plastic cups and straws made from synthetic materials like polyester and nylon can break down into harmful microplastics and enter the environment. Make sustainable choices and bring your own reusable coffee cup and straws.

Store food in metal or glass containers

Store food in metal or glass containers and avoid plastic wrap or containers to prevent chemicals from being absorbed into the food.

Avoid heating plastic food in the microwave

Heating plastic food in a microwave can release microplastics into the food, posing potential health risks. Even containers labeled "microwave safe" may still release microplastics.

Reduce exposure to microplastics in your home

Reduce exposure to microplastics in your home and create a safer, healthier living environment.

Regular dusting and vacuuming

Microplastics can enter your body through air, food and water. They can be found in dust, so regular cleaning is crucial. Use old sheets instead of microfiber cloths for dusting, as microfiber cloths are a major source of microplastics. Vacuum and dust at least once a week to prevent buildup. Use an air filter or purifier that captures microplastics, and choose hard floors instead of carpets, which release more microplastics.

Laundry measures

Laundries are a major source of microplastics, which are released into wastewater when synthetic fabrics like polyester and nylon are washed. To minimize this, there are several things you can do:

  • Reduce the frequency of laundry,
  • Use cold water instead of hot water,
  • Wash with a full load to reduce friction,
  • Avoid delicate wash settings,
  • Use liquid detergent
  • Air dry your clothes instead of using a dryer

If you machine dry your clothes, you can use lint filters and microfiber laundry bags to capture microplastics.

Choose organic clothes and natural fibers

Many clothing materials are made from synthetic fibers such as nylon, polyester, and acrylic. However, these fabrics release large amounts of microplastics with every wash . In order to reduce the release of microplastics during washing, natural materials such as wool, silk, and hemp should be selected and sustainable consumption should be implemented.

Choose plastic-free cosmetics and microbead-free beauty products

About 90% of cosmetics contain microplastics, plastic particles that can enhance texture, color and shine. Read product labels carefully and avoid ingredients such as polyethylene, polypropylene, nylon, polymethylmethacrylate and acrylate copolymers.

Choose plastic-free products

Support eco-friendly brands with recyclable packaging options like glass and paper to help reduce the need for harmful plastic packaging and protect the environment.

Avoid driving your own vehicle

Car tires produce 28% of microplastics in the ocean. As tires degrade, they release small plastic particles. Choosing public transportation or walking can reduce microplastic pollution by removing one car from the road.

Support environmental legislation

Support organizations that reduce waste and fight plastic pollution in your area. Your participation can lead to real improvements in environmental sustainability. Additionally, choosing plastic-free products and using public transportation can help protect against microplastics and contribute to a greener, healthier environment.

Reference article

[1] Kim, J., Lee, H., Kim, S., & Kim, H. (2018). Global Pattern of Microplastics (MPS) in Commercial Food-Grade Salts: Sea salt as an indicator of Seawater MP Pollution . Environmental Science & Technology , 52 (21), 12819–12828. https://doi.org/10.1021/acs.est.8b04180

[2] Khan, A., & Jia, Z. (2023). Recent insights into uptake, toxicity, and molecular targets of microplastics and nanoplastics relevant to human health impacts. iScience, 26(2), 106061. https:// doi.org/10.1016/j.isci.2023.106061

[3] Jenner, LC, Rotchell, JM, Bennett, RT, Cowen, ME, Tentzeris, V., & Sadofsky, LR (2022). Detection of microplastics in human lung tissue using μFTIR spectroscopy. Science of the Total Environment, 831 , 154907. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.154907

[4] Ragusa, A., Svelato, A., Santacroce, C., Catalano, P., Notarstefano, V., Carnevali, O., Papa, F., Rongioletti, M., Baiocco, F., Draghi, S., D'Amore, E., Rinaldo, D., Matta, M., & Giorgini, E. (2021). Plasticenta: First evidence of microplastics in human placenta. Environment International, 146, 106274. https:// doi.org/10.1016/j.envint.2020.106274

[5] Ragusa, A., Notarstefano, V., Svelato, A., Belloni, A., Gioacchini, G., Blondeel, C., Zucchelli, E., De Luca, C., D'Avino, S. , Gulotta, A., Carnevali, O., & Giorgini, E. (2022). Raman Microspectroscopy Detection and characterization of microplastics in human breastmilk. Polymers, 14(13), 2700. https://doi.org/10.3390/ polym14132700

[6] Leslie, H., Van Velzen, M., Brandsma, S., Vethaak, D., García-Vallejo, JJ, & Lamoree, M. (2022). Discovery and quantification of plastic particle pollution in human blood. Environment International, 163, 107199. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.envint.2022.107199

[7] Laist DW Marine debris. Springer; 1997. Impacts of marine debris: entanglement of marine life in marine debris including a comprehensive list of species with entanglement and ingestion records; pp. 99–139. [Google Scholar]

[8] Bhuyan, MS (2022). Effects of microplastics on fish and in human health. Frontiers in Environmental Science, 10. https://doi.org/10.3389/fenvs.2022.827289

Review

All comments are moderated before being published

HealthyPIG Magazine

View all
光學治療濕疹 - 全面總結

光學治療濕疹 - 全面總結

簡介 光療使用光波來治療某些皮膚問題。皮膚會暴露於紫外線 (UV) 光下一段設定的時間。光療利用人造的紫外線光源,紫外線也來自陽光。當與一種叫做甲氧補骨脂素的藥物一起使用時,這個程序稱為 PUVA 光療。 紫外線光能夠抑制皮膚中的免疫系統細胞,對於因免疫系統過度反應引起的皮膚問題有幫助。可以使...
什麼是「操縱者」?

什麼是「操縱者」?

操縱者,也可以說成「擅用手段的人」,「心機重的人」。操縱者利用欺騙、影響或者其他形式的心理操控來控制或影響他人,以達到自己的目標。他們的行為通常包含使用隱蔽、間接或偷偷摸摸的手法來獲得他們想要的東西,往往是以犧牲他人為代價。以下是一些常見的特徵和手段: 欺騙: 他們可能會說謊或扭曲事實來誤...
什麼是肌肉抽搐?你需要去看醫生嗎?

什麼是肌肉抽搐?你需要去看醫生嗎?

肌肉抽搐,也稱為肌束顫動,是指身體各部分出現不自主的肌肉收縮。以下是肌肉抽搐的原因、症狀及管理方法的詳細介紹: 肌肉抽搐的原因 壓力和焦慮 高水平的壓力和焦慮會導致肌肉緊張和抽搐。身體對壓力的反應會觸發神經系統,導致肌肉不自主地收縮。 疲勞 過度使用或劇烈運動後的肌肉疲勞會導致肌...
蘋果與牙齒健康:保護牙齒的小技巧

Apples and Dental Health: Tips to Protect Your Teeth

Apples are widely loved for their rich nutritional content and refreshing taste. However, apples' acidic and sugary content may also have an impact...
蘋果籽的毒性:它們真的有毒嗎?

Apple Seed Toxicity: Are They Really Poisonous?

Apple seeds contain cyanogenic glycosides, compounds that break down in the body to produce cyanide, which has raised concerns about the toxicity o...
有機蘋果與傳統蘋果:哪個更健康?

Organic apples vs. conventional apples: Which one is healthier?

Apple is one of the common fruits in our daily life, but when choosing, many people are confused whether to choose organic apples or traditional ap...
艾草:益處,營養,副作用,評論和推薦產品

Wormwood: Benefits, Nutrition, Side Effects, Reviews and Recommended Products

Highlights What is Artemisia? Background and history health benefits Instructions drug interactions Side effects and disad...
紅麴米:益處,營養,副作用,評論和推薦產品

Red Yeast Rice: Benefits, Nutrition, Side Effects, Reviews and Recommended Products

Highlights What is Red Yeast Rice? Background and history health benefits Instructions drug interactions Side effects and ...
什麼是草藥膏?

What is herbal ointment?

Highlights What is Herbal Salve? Background and history health benefits Instructions drug interactions Side effects and di...