In the late 19th century, when an early form of plastic called celluloid was invented, promoters and the public praised its ability to mimic luxurious materials like ivory, tortoiseshell, and silk at a fraction of the cost. Additionally, its versatility, durability, and moldability sparked excitement as it offered novel solutions for various industries, from fashion to photography, ushering in a new era of innovation and accessibility. Plastic was even seen as a socially beneficial and environmentally correct substance. Since scarcity and depletion of natural materials seemed inevitable, synthetic substitutes were deemed necessary. Plastics have revolutionized modern society, but a century later their widespread use and improper disposal have led to environmental pollution and increasing, health concerns.

Plastics can adversely affect the health of both humans and animals through ingestion, leading to internal injuries, blockages, and toxicity from harmful chemicals. Additionally, plastics can disrupt endocrine systems, induce inflammation, and facilitate the transport of pollutants, posing long-term health risks to organisms across ecosystems. Medical researchers are just beginning to unravel the myriad locations within the human body where plastics are now detected, along with the corresponding negative implications. A recent study published in the New England Journal of Medicine found people with microplastics or nanoplastics in their carotid artery tissues were twice as likely to have a heart attack, stroke, or die from any cause over the next three years than people who had none, a new study found. Carotid arteries, which lie on each side of the neck and carry blood to the brain, can become clogged with fatty cholesterol plaques similar to the arteries leading into the heart, a process known as atherosclerosis. The study is the first that associated plastic contamination with human disease and raises some questions like “Should exposure to microplastics and nanoplastics be considered a cardiovascular risk factor? What organs in addition to the heart may be at risk? How can we reduce exposure?” which should be explored further.

Microplastics are polymer fragments that can range from less than 0.2 inch (5 millimeters) down to 1/25,000th of an inch (1 micrometer). Anything smaller is a nanoplastic that must be measured in billionths of a meter. Nanoplastics are the most worrisome plastics for human health, experts say. At 1,000th the average width of a human hair, the minuscule bits can migrate through the tissues of the digestive tract or lungs into the bloodstream.  From there, nanoplastics can invade individual cells and tissues in major organs, potentially interrupting cellular processes and depositing endocrine-disrupting chemicals such as bisphenols, phthalates, flame retardants, heavy metals, and per- and polyfluorinated substances, or PFAS. Nanoplastics have been found in human blood, lung and liver tissues, urine and feces, mother’s milk, and the placenta. Until now, however, research has yet to determine just what impact those polymers may have on the body’s organs and functions.

Routes of Entry into the Environment

Nanoplastics can be formed through the breakdown of larger plastic items due to various environmental factors such as sunlight, heat, and mechanical stress. Additionally, some consumer products like cosmetics, personal care products, and textiles contain intentionally manufactured nanoplastics. Several pathways contribute to the release of nanoplastics into the environment:

• Microplastic Degradation: Larger plastic items such as bottles, bags, and packaging gradually degrade into smaller particles due to environmental factors like UV radiation, temperature fluctuations, and mechanical abrasion. These fragmented plastics can further break down into nanoplastics.

• Wastewater Treatment: The improper disposal of plastic waste, as well as the laundering of synthetic clothing, can lead to the release of microplastics and nanoplastics into wastewater. Wastewater treatment plants may not effectively capture these tiny particles, allowing them to enter rivers, lakes, and oceans.

• Atmospheric Deposition: Microplastics from various sources can be transported through the atmosphere and deposited onto land and water bodies. These atmospheric microplastics can undergo further degradation into nanoplastics, contributing to environmental contamination.

• Direct Discharge: Industrial processes and activities such as plastic manufacturing, shipping, and waste management can release nanoplastics directly into the environment through spills, leaks, and improper disposal practices.

• Intentional Products: Some consumer products, particularly those in the beauty and personal care industry, contain intentionally manufactured nanoplastics. These products, such as exfoliating scrubs and toothpaste, release nanoplastics directly into wastewater when used and washed off.

Once released into the environment, nanoplastics can persist for long periods and spread widely, contaminating terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems. They can be ingested by organisms at the base of the food chain and bioaccumulate as they move up through the food web, posing potential risks to both wildlife and human health.

Reuse, Recycle and Recovery

Given the widespread presence of plastics in the environment and their persistence in ecosystems, exposure to nanoplastics is virtually unavoidable. However, there are steps individuals can take to mitigate their risk:

• Reduce Plastic Use: Minimize the use of single-use plastics and opt for reusable alternatives whenever possible. This reduces the amount of plastic waste generated, ultimately decreasing the likelihood of nanoplastic pollution in the environment.

• Proper Waste Disposal: Dispose of plastic waste responsibly by recycling and properly disposing of plastics to prevent them from entering the environment.

• Support Research and Advocacy: Support research efforts into the health impacts of nanoplastics and advocate for policies aimed at reducing plastic pollution and promoting alternatives to plastics.

While it is widely known many plastics help protect us, improve healthcare outcomes, and contribute to a more sustainable world, from bicycle helmets and blood bags to drinking water pipes and wind turbines, to help reduce new sources of microplastic in our environment there is an urgent need to focus on the reused, recycling, or recovery of plastics across the world. As medical researchers more fully elucidate the extent of the health risks posed by nanoplastics, taking proactive steps to reduce plastic consumption and exposure can help protect both individual health and the environment.

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