It’s Everywhere

By Peter Galvin, MD

Plastics production and use reached 435 million tons in 2020 (up from 234 million tons in 2000) and by 2040 is expected to further increase by 70%. Plastics are synthetic materials composed of polymers, such as polyester, polyethylene, polypropylene, and polyurethane that vary in chemical composition and often contain additives. Although more than 13,000 chemicals are associated with plastics, 10 groups of chemicals are identified as being of major concern due to their high toxicity and potential to migrate or be released from plastics. These include certain flame retardants, UV stabilizers, bisphenols, biocides, certain metalloids, and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons.

Plastics smaller than 5mm are termed microplastics, which can enter the human body primarily via inhalation or ingestion after plastic litter in the environment degrades into smaller plastic fragments or from plastic food and beverage containers. Inhaled particles that have a diameter of 2.5 um (micrometer) or smaller can enter the alveoli (air sacs) of the lungs and can wind up in the bloodstream and accumulate widely in tissues. Many foods, beverages, and drinking water sources contain microplastics that can enter the body after ingestion. A 2020 study performed in Mexico evaluated microplastic contamination in 57 common beverages (soft drinks, beer, cold tea, and energy drinks). Forty-eight samples showed detectable microplastics with the highest concentration in beer samples. A 2024 review of 38 studies investigating cosmetic and personal care products reported that 16.4% of products tested contained microplastics, with 26.5% of face scrubs containing microplastics.

Multiple studies have reported the presence of microplastics in many human tissues and organs, including the lungs, brain, blood, liver, kidneys, heart and circulatory system, spleen, colon, testes, ovarian follicular fluid, and placenta as well as in human breast milk and infants’ first stools. Observational studies have shown an association of microplastics with adverse health effects. In a study of 257 patients with asymptomatic carotid artery disease, microplastics (polyethylene) were found in 58.4% carotid plaque removed from patients. Those with detectable microplastics in excised carotid plaque had a 4.5 times higher risk of heart attack, stroke, or death from any cause at 34 months follow-up as compared to those in whom microplastics were not detected.

Although many local and national policies exist to limit plastic pollution, few comprehensive international agreements are currently in place to limit plastic pollution. Microplastics are being detected in humans at increasing rates and are associated with known and potential adverse health effects, raising concerns over the high levels of plastic pollutants in the air, water, and soil. International cooperation to limit plastic pollution and to find environmentally safe plastic alternatives is needed.

Finally, plastics are more likely to deteriorate when heated. Plastic containers should not be used to heat food in a microwave. Glass or ceramic containers should be used. In the oven, even plastic containers rated oven safe should not be used. Metal (stainless steel, not aluminum), glass, or ceramic containers are preferable. Lastly, infants who are bottle fed should never be fed from a plastic bottle. Glass or stainless steel bottles should be used.

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