A new study has highlighted the health risks associated with microplastics in the air. In 2019, global plastic production reached 460 million metric tons, and this figure is projected to triple by 2060. The majority of plastic produced is single-use, with 98% derived from fossil fuels.
Fossil fuels are utilized to produce petrochemicals, which are the primary raw materials for plastic manufacturing. As the demand for oil and gas declines, the petrochemical industry is increasingly turning to plastic production. This shift is concerning because plastic manufacturing emits greenhouse gases and poses significant risks to human health.
Researchers at the University of California, San Francisco investigated the impact of microplastic exposure on human digestive, reproductive, and respiratory systems. They cautioned that microplastics could contribute to the development of lung and colon cancer. The study highlighted that tiny plastic particles, resulting from tire wear and degrading waste, can lead to respiratory and other health issues.
The researchers analyzed approximately 3,000 studies examining the severe health problems associated with microplastics. Their findings indicate that microplastics can cause male and female infertility, colon cancer, impaired lung function, and chronic pulmonary inflammation, which may elevate the risk of lung cancer.
“Microplastics are essentially a form of particulate matter air pollution, and we know this type of pollution is harmful,” stated Tracey J. Woodruff, PhD, MPH, a professor of obstetrics, gynecology, and reproductive sciences at UCSF, and the senior author of the study, in a press release. The research was published in the journal Environmental Science & Technology on December 18.
Understanding Microplastics
Microplastics (MPs) are plastic particles that range in size from 5 millimeters (mm)—approximately the size of a pencil eraser—to 1 nanometer (nm), as defined by the United States Environmental Protection Agency. To put this into perspective, a human hair is about 80,000 nanometers wide. These tiny plastic particles, which are even smaller than a grain of rice, are pervasive in the environment. One significant source of airborne microplastics is tire wear. As vehicles travel, the friction between tires and the road surface generates plastic fragments that become airborne.
This marks the first systematic review of microplastics employing gold-standard methods approved by the National Academy of Sciences.
Previous studies included in this review primarily focused on animal subjects. The researchers suggested that the findings are likely applicable to humans due to similar exposure levels. This study builds on a report from last year, developed in collaboration with the California State Policy Evidence Consortium (CalSPEC). CalSPEC unites experts from the UC system to provide evidence that informs policymakers in the California State Legislature.
“We urge regulatory agencies and policy leaders to consider the increasing evidence of health risks from microplastics, including colon and lung cancer. We hope state leaders will take immediate action to prevent further exposures,” stated Nicholas Chartres, PhD, the study’s lead author and head of the science and policy team at PRHE.