How Microplastics Affect Your Health: What You Need to Know

Table of contents

1. What are microplastics?
2. How do microplastics enter our bodies?
3. Microplastics and the hormonal balance
4. Health risks of microplastics
5. Preventive measures and advice
6. Frequently Asked Questions

Key learning points

• Microplastics can disrupt hormone balance.
• They enter our body through various routes.
• The impact on endocrine glands can lead to health problems.
• Preventive measures can help reduce exposure.

What are microplastics?

Microplastics are small plastic particles, these particles vary from 5 millimeters to 1 micrometer (0.001 millimeters). They are created by the breakdown of larger plastic objects or are directly produced for industrial applications. Microplastics are widespread in the environment and occur in water, air and food.

How do microplastics enter our bodies?

Through food and drink

Microplastics can be found in drinking water, seafood, and other foods. Studies show that microplastics are present in many products, which increases the chance that they enter our bodies through consumption.

Inhalation of air

In addition to food, microplastics can also enter the body through the respiratory tract. Fine dust particles in the air often contain microplastics that we unconsciously inhale.

Direct contact

Contact with plastic products can also contribute to the ingestion of microplastics, especially when these products come into contact with food or drink.

Table 1: Sources of microplastics in the body

Source	Description
Drinking water	Microplastics found in tap and bottled water
Seafood	Absorption by fish and other marine animals
Foods	Various food products contain microplastics
Air	Inhalation of microplastics from particulate matter
Plastic products	Transmission through contact with food and drink

Microplastics and the hormonal balance

The influence on the endocrine glands

Microplastics can have significant effects on the endocrine glands, which are responsible for producing and regulating hormones in our bodies. These glands include the thyroid, pancreas, adrenal glands, and gonads (testicles and ovaries). Microplastics often contain chemicals such as bisphenol A (BPA) and phthalates, which are known hormone disruptors.

• Bisphenol A (BPA): A common chemical in plastic that can mimic the function of estrogens, which can lead to hormonal imbalances.
• Phthalates: These substances are used to make plastic more flexible and can affect the production of hormones such as testosterone.

Disruptions in hormone production

The presence of microplastics in the body can lead to disruptions in hormone production and regulation. This can cause various health problems, depending on which hormones are affected.

Thyroid problems

The thyroid gland produces hormones that are essential for metabolism, growth, and development. Microplastics can disrupt the production of thyroid hormones, leading to conditions such as hypothyroidism (an underactive thyroid) or hyperthyroidism (an overactive thyroid).

Reproductive health

Microplastics can also have a negative impact on reproductive health. In women, they can lead to irregular menstrual cycles and fertility problems. In men, they can reduce sperm production and quality.

Table 2: Possible effects of microplastics on hormone balance

Hormonal function	Possible disruptions
Thyroid	Hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism
Sex glands	Irregular menstruation, decreased fertility
Adrenal glands	Increased stress hormones (cortisol)
Pancreas	Disrupted insulin production, risk of diabetes

Health risks of microplastics

The impact of microplastics on hormone balance is concerning, not only because of the direct effects on the endocrine glands, but also because of the wider health risks associated with this. The disruption of hormonal functions can contribute to a range of health problems.

Obesity and Metabolism

Exposure to hormone-disrupting chemicals in microplastics can lead to weight gain and obesity. This is because these chemicals can affect metabolism, fat storage, and eating behavior. Research shows that phthalates and BPA can increase the risk of obesity by disrupting metabolism and encouraging fat cells to store more fat.

Diabetes

Hormonal imbalances, specifically related to insulin production and function, can promote the development of type 2 diabetes. Microplastics contribute to insulin resistance, an important precursor to diabetes, by affecting the normal function of the pancreas.

Heart disease

There is growing evidence that microplastics can contribute to cardiovascular disease. Chemicals in microplastics, such as BPA, can increase blood pressure and affect cholesterol levels, leading to a higher risk of heart disease.

Neurological development and behavior

In children, microplastics can affect hormonal regulation essential for neurological development. Studies have linked exposure to hormone-disrupting chemicals in microplastics to developmental disorders such as ADHD and autism.

Table 3: Health risks related to hormone disruption by microplastics

Health risk	Description
Obesity and metabolism	Increased fat storage and disturbance in eating behavior
Diabetes	Insulin resistance and disturbance in glucose metabolism
Heart disease	High blood pressure and cholesterol problems
Neurological disorders	Influence on development and behavioral disorders

Preventive measures and advice

Reducing exposure

Reducing exposure to microplastics is crucial to minimize the risks described above. This can be done by making conscious choices in consumption behavior and lifestyle:

Regulations and information

Increased regulation and education about the risks of microplastics are needed. Governments and health organisations must take action to reduce exposure to microplastics in consumer products and educate the public about the potential health risks.

What are the main sources of microplastics in our daily lives?

The main sources of microplastics in our daily lives are:

• Food and drinking water: Microplastics are commonly found in seafood, bottled water, and even tap water.
• Air: We breathe in microplastics that float in the air, especially indoors where plastic products break down.
• Packaging: Plastic food packaging can release microplastics, especially when heated or damaged.
• Cosmetics: Some personal care products, such as scrubs and toothpastes, contain microplastics as exfoliating agents.

How can I reduce my exposure to microplastics?

Reducing exposure to microplastics is crucial to minimize the risks described above. This can be done by making conscious choices in consumption behavior and lifestyle:

Some effective ways to reduce exposure to microplastics include:

• Use glass or stainless steel containers instead of plastic.
• Avoid heating food in plastic containers.
• Choose products without microbeads and check cosmetic labels.
• Filter tap water with a high-quality water filter that can remove microplastics.

What do microplastics do to my hormones?

Microplastics contain hormone disruptors such as bisphenol A (BPA) and phthalates. These substances can disrupt the normal functioning of hormones in the body, leading to problems such as irregular menstruation, reduced fertility, thyroid disorders, and increased risk of obesity and diabetes.

Are there health guidelines for microplastics?

Currently, there are limited health guidelines specifically for microplastics, but many health organizations are calling for more research and stricter regulations. Consciously reducing exposure and choosing less plastic in everyday life is strongly recommended.

How do microplastics end up in our food?

Microplastics enter our food through polluted water and air, as well as through the use of plastic packaging. Fish and other seafood ingest microplastics, which then enter the food chain.

Table 4: Strategies to reduce exposure to microplastics

Strategy	Description
Use alternatives to plastic	Use glass or stainless steel containers
Avoid plastic packaging	Choose food that is not packaged in plastic
Awareness when purchasing	Check cosmetics for microbeads and choose natural alternatives
Filter drinking water	Use a water filter that can remove microplastics

Are microplastics visible?

Microplastics are usually not visible to the naked eye because they are smaller than five millimeters. Some microplastics are even microscopic and can only be detected with special equipment.

What impact do microplastics have on children?

Children are particularly vulnerable to the effects of microplastics because their hormonal systems are still developing. Exposure to hormone disrupting chemicals can lead to developmental and behavioral problems such as ADHD and reduced cognitive function.

Can microplastics be completely avoided?

While it is difficult to completely avoid microplastics due to their widespread presence, conscious choices and lifestyle changes can help to significantly reduce exposure.

Sources and further information

For more information about the health impact of microplastics and ways to reduce exposure, visit the following resources:

• RIVM on microplastics and health
• WHO report on microplastics in drinking water
• European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) on restrictions for microplastics
• What are microplastics?
• Microplastics