A comprehensive review of nearly 3,000 studies has revealed alarming health risks associated with airborne microplastics, including infertility, cancer, and respiratory diseases. Published in SciTechDaily, the review employs gold-standard methodologies endorsed by the National Academy of Sciences, making it one of the most authoritative analyses of microplastics to date, reads a Newsweek report.
Microplastics, defined as particles smaller than five millimeters, are commonly found in products like cosmetics and are released into the air through processes such as tire wear. Experts warn that when inhaled, ingested, or absorbed through the skin, these particles can accumulate in the body, causing harm such as pulmonary inflammation, colon and lung cancer, and damage to vital organs, including the liver, kidney, and brain.
Tracey J. Woodruff, PhD, MPH, a professor at UCSF, called microplastics "particulate matter air pollution" and stressed their known dangers. Nicholas Chartres, PhD, lead author of the study, urged policymakers to take immediate action to reduce exposure.
Plastic pollution is a growing global crisis. In 2019, 460 million metric tons of plastic were produced, with single-use plastics comprising the majority. This figure is projected to quadruple by 2060. The study highlights that 98% of plastics are derived from fossil fuels, and the petrochemical industry is increasingly focused on plastic production as oil and gas demand declines. This shift raises concerns due to the significant greenhouse gas emissions associated with plastic manufacturing and its lifecycle.
Additionally, chemicals used in plastics, such as phthalates and bisphenol A (BPA), are linked to severe health risks, including reproductive toxicity, neurotoxicity, and developmental issues. Phthalates, for instance, have been associated with preterm birth and male reproductive disorders.
According to the United Nations Development Programme, microplastics infiltrate the body through ingestion, inhalation, and skin contact. Once inside, they can provoke immune responses, cause local toxicity, and enter critical organs, potentially leading to long-term health complications.
The study calls for immediate regulatory interventions to reduce microplastic exposure and mitigate its impact on public health. Researchers also advocate for further studies to explore additional health effects and develop effective strategies to limit exposure.
With microplastics now recognized as a significant environmental and health threat, experts stress the urgency of global action to prevent further harm.
Bd-pratidin English/ Jisan
