Plastic Pollution: Humans And Their Impacted Health

Plastic pollution poses a serious threat to human health. Microplastics, tiny particles of plastic less than 5mm in size, have been found in our oceans, soil, air, food, and even the blood and placentas of unborn babies. The toxic chemical additives used in plastic production are linked to a range of adverse health effects, including endocrine disruption, weight gain, insulin resistance, reproductive and developmental problems, cancer, and lung disease. With plastic production on the rise, exposure to these harmful substances will only increase, threatening human health on a global scale. Addressing this crisis requires urgent action to reduce plastic production, improve waste management, and transition to more sustainable alternatives.

Microplastics in human blood, lungs, and placenta

Plastic pollution has been a growing concern for the environment and human health. Microplastics, tiny particles of plastic less than 5mm in size, have been found in the oceans, soil, air, and even in the human body.

Microplastics in the Blood

Recent studies have found microplastics in human blood for the first time. Researchers in the Netherlands developed a method to analyze blood samples from 22 healthy volunteers and found microplastics in 17 of them. The plastics may have entered the bloodstream through air, food, water, or personal care products. While the health effects are still unknown, in vitro studies have shown that microplastics can affect cell functioning and even cause cell death.

Microplastics in the Lungs

Microplastics have also been detected in human lung biopsies, indicating that they can be inhaled. This can cause lesions in the respiratory system, especially in susceptible individuals. Workers in certain industries, such as synthetic textiles, are at higher risk of occupational diseases due to exposure to high concentrations of microplastics.

Microplastics in the Placenta

Evidence of microplastics has been found in human placentas as well. A study analyzed six human placentas and found 12 microplastic fragments ranging from 5 to 10 μm in size. These microplastics were identified as stained polypropylene, a thermoplastic polymer, and pigments used in coatings, paints, adhesives, and cosmetics. The presence of microplastics in the placenta raises concerns about potential effects on fetal development and health.

While the full extent of the harm caused by microplastics is not yet fully understood, their omnipresence in the environment and the human body is a cause for concern. More research is needed to assess the potential health impacts and to develop strategies to reduce plastic pollution and human exposure to microplastics.

Plastic chemicals and human health

Plastic pollution poses a serious threat to human health, with toxic chemical additives and pollutants entering our bodies through inhalation, ingestion, and skin contact. The average person is estimated to ingest around 5 grams of plastic every week, and recent studies have found microplastics in human blood, lungs, and even the placenta.

The health effects of plastic are wide-ranging and include cancer, endocrine disruption, weight gain, insulin resistance, decreased reproductive health, respiratory problems, congenital disabilities, and lung disease. These toxic chemicals have also been linked to developmental issues, neurological problems, immune system impairment, and genetic impacts like low birth weight.

The production and disposal of plastic contribute to these health issues. The extraction of oil and gas, particularly hydraulic fracturing for natural gas, releases toxic substances, including known carcinogens and neurotoxins. Transforming fossil fuels into plastic resins and additives also releases highly toxic substances, with documented effects on the nervous and reproductive systems, as well as increased cancer risks.

The disposal of plastic waste is another major concern. Incineration, a common method of disposal, releases harmful chemicals into the air, causing water and soil contamination. This leads to indirect exposure through the consumption of contaminated food and water.

Microplastics, tiny particles of plastic, have been found in seafood, tap and bottled water, beverages, and even salt. A recent study estimates that an adult consumes approximately 2,000 microplastics per year through salt alone. Microplastics can also act as vessels for pathogens, increasing the spread of diseases.

The impact of plastic on human health is a growing area of research, and the full scope of its effects is yet to be fully understood. However, the evidence suggests that plastic poses a significant threat to human health, and addressing this issue requires a reduction in plastic production, use, and disposal worldwide.

Plastic waste and incineration

The Case for Incineration

Burning plastic in incinerators can be seen as a way to generate electricity and harness the heat produced. With plastic being made from oil and gas, incineration can substitute the burning of dirtier fossil fuels like coal. The Environmental Services Association (ESA) and Jacob Hayler, its director, support this view, stating that incinerating non-recyclable waste is better than sending it to landfills. Hayler also points to the Digest of UK Energy Statistics, which shows that in 2016, waste burned in incinerators replaced 2.5 million tonnes of virgin fossil fuel oil.

The Case Against Incineration

However, there are significant concerns about the negative consequences of incinerating plastic waste. Here are some key points against incineration:

• Climate Impact: Plastic is made from oil and gas, so burning it releases large amounts of carbon dioxide (CO2) into the atmosphere, contributing to the climate crisis. For every tonne of dense plastic burned, more than two tonnes of CO2 is released. With global plastic production expected to triple by 2060, the amount of incineration and associated emissions will also increase.
• Air Pollution and Health Risks: Burning plastic releases toxic gases, heavy metals, microplastics, bisphenols, phthalates, and other harmful substances into the air. These pollutants can cause serious health issues such as neurodevelopmental, endocrine, and reproductive problems. Dioxins released during incineration are highly toxic and can cause cancer, immune system damage, and hormone interference. Even modern incinerators with filters may not be able to prevent the release of dangerous amounts of toxins.
• Environmental Injustice: The construction of incinerators often disproportionately affects deprived and diverse communities. For example, the Edmonton 'EcoPark' incinerator in the UK is located in one of the most deprived areas, with a majority of residents being people of colour. This has been criticized as a form of environmental racism, as these communities are already facing racial oppression and injustice.
• Inefficiency and Competition with Recycling: Incinerators require a constant supply of waste to operate efficiently, competing with recycling and composting facilities for plastic waste. The focus on incineration can reduce incentives for plastic reduction and recycling, leading to a lock-in effect where the demand for burning waste plastic persists.
• Economic Costs: Incineration of plastic waste contributes to greenhouse gas emissions and health issues, resulting in significant economic costs. The incineration of plastic in the UK alone was responsible for nearly £2 billion in climate harm costs, excluding health-related expenses.

Alternatives and Solutions

To address the issues with incineration and reduce its negative impacts, several alternatives and solutions have been proposed:

• Phasing Out Incineration: Some parts of the UK, such as Scotland and Wales, have introduced bans on new incinerators, recognizing that incineration hinders progress towards achieving zero waste and a circular economy.
• Reducing Single-Use Plastic: Emphasizing the reduction of single-use packaging and transitioning to reusable options can help decrease the amount of plastic produced and burned, reducing carbon emissions and toxins in the air.
• Improving Waste Management: In places with inadequate waste management, such as Guatemala and indigenous communities, implementing alternatives to burning plastic waste, such as community recycling and reforestation projects, can improve air quality and public health.
• Transparency and Participation: Addressing plastic pollution requires transparency about the chemicals and processes involved in plastic production. Additionally, communities affected by incinerators should have a right to meaningful participation in decision-making processes to protect their health and environment.

Plastic in the food chain

Plastic pollution has infiltrated the food chain, with microplastics being found in seafood, plant and animal origin foods, drinks, and food additives. They are easily transferred to the human food chain, and their presence in the human body can induce several adverse health effects, including gastrointestinal disorders, immune system problems, respiratory issues, cancer, infertility, and alteration in chromosomes.

Microplastics enter the human body through ingestion, inhalation, and skin contact. They are often found in drinking water, food, air, and plastic products.

Microplastics can carry harmful chemicals and microorganisms, which can be released into the human body. They can also absorb organic pollutants and are known as carriers of organic contaminants to terrestrial, marine, and freshwater environments.

The use of sewage sludge as fertiliser has been identified as a significant contributor to microplastic contamination in the food chain. Studies have found that sewage sludge has contaminated millions of acres of cropland with per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), commonly found in plastic products.

The impact of microplastics on human health is still relatively unknown, but there is growing concern among the scientific community. Some studies suggest that the ingestion of microplastics could be harmful to humans, with potential links to cancer, heart disease, and poor foetal development.

The presence of microplastics in the food chain has kindled a lot of interest among consumers and the scientific community. However, there is a need for more research to fully understand the extent of microplastic contamination and its potential adverse effects on human health.

The impact of plastic on future generations

Plastic pollution poses a serious threat to the health of future generations. The toxic nature of the chemicals used in plastic production has been linked to various adverse health effects, including cancer, lung disease, birth defects, and endocrine disruption. The impact of plastic pollution is felt across all stages of its lifecycle, from extraction to disposal, and it is estimated that plastic waste will triple by 2040.

One of the most significant concerns regarding future generations is the presence of microplastics in the environment. Microplastics, tiny particles of plastic less than 5 millimeters in size, have been found in oceans, soil, and the air we breathe. They infiltrate food chains and accumulate in agricultural soils, terrestrial and aquatic food chains, and water supplies. Studies have shown that microplastics can damage and kill human cells, leading to serious health issues.

Another critical issue is the impact of plastic on the climate. Plastic production and disposal contribute to greenhouse gas emissions, and plastic waste clogs land, air, and waterways. This, in turn, contributes to climate change, which poses significant risks to future generations.

Furthermore, plastic pollution disproportionately impacts marginalized and low-income communities. These communities often lack proper waste management systems and are exposed to toxic chemicals from burning plastic waste. Additionally, they may experience higher exposure to microplastics and plastic pollution in their local environments.

To protect future generations, it is essential to address the plastic pollution crisis. This includes reducing plastic production and disposal, improving waste management practices, transitioning to sustainable alternatives, and creating a circular economy. By taking these steps, we can mitigate the health risks posed by plastic pollution and build a healthier future for generations to come.

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