Why microplastics are so harmful

The damage caused by microplastics is truly transversal: it affects the environment, ecosystems, animals and plants, but above all, human health itself. Reducing microplastics (increasingly studied for their harmful effects on our bodies) is now a must in environmental policies, as well as in individual lifestyles. But before examining the damage, it's important to clarify what microplastics are, as It is precisely their characteristics, starting with their size, that make them extremely dangerous.

What is

Microplastics are plastic particles of dimensions less than 5 millimeters, and derive from the degradation of plastic objects (for example, bottles, bags, shoes, and even cosmetics, detergents, and cleaning products). Plastic is often enriched with chemical additives to improve its properties: phthalates, which are used to make the plastic more flexible; brominated compounds, added to reduce combustibility; heavy metals (such as lead, cadmium, and mercury), used as stabilizers or colorants.

Once released into the environment, microplastics, including chemical additives, end up polluting the air, seas, rivers, and soil. And even food and drinking water.

Types of microplastics

Microplastics are not all the same. They vary in both their origin and size. The main categories include primary microplastics, secondary microplastics, and nanoplastics.

Primary microplastics are those specifically produced by industry. They are used in specific cleaning products due to their abrasive properties. They represent 15-30% of the total microplastics in the ocean. The European Chemical Agency (ECA) has released worrying data on this issue, stating that 145 tons of primary microplastics are produced each year. Of these, 42 thousand are dispersed into the environment.

Most of the remaining microplastics, that is, 68-81% of those scattered in the oceans, are secondary microplastics. They come from the degradation of large plastic waste, such as commonly used shopping bags. Or even fish nets.

Finally, the smallest microplastics of all are defined as nanoplastics, those that are not visible to the human eye as they measure between 0,1μm and 0,001μm.

Common microplastics include polyethylene terephthalate (PET), high-density polyethylene (HDPE), polypropylene (PP), and polystyrene.

Environmental damage

Microplastics are ubiquitous in the environment and don't easily degrade, so they accumulate, damaging marine and terrestrial ecosystems. Marine animals, such as fish, birds, and marine mammals, can accidentally ingest them, mistaking them for food. Marine life has suffered enormous damage due to the spread of microplastics in the oceans. The WWF warns that over 700 animal species have been affected to date and that 8 million tons of plastic waste reaches the sea every year. In total, it is estimated that over 100 animals die every year due to plastic. In the case of flora, the most serious problem is that microplastics can come into contact with plant roots, interfering with their development. And by accumulating in the soil, they alter its structure and its ability to retain water and nutrients: hence the conclusion that microplastics can impede the natural growth of plants.

Damage to human health

Scholars' efforts, through continuously updated scientific research, are focused on understanding the pathologies that can arise from continued contact with microplastics, especially those of significant size. A recent study published in The New England Journal of Medicine has established a direct link between the presence of microplastics in atherosclerotic plaques and a subsequent higher risk of heart attack and stroke.

Generally, the harm microplastics pose to human health depends on three factors: chemical composition, size, and the amount ingested. The Veronesi Foundation website reports that, according to a 2021 study, on average we ingest 0,1 to 5 grams of microplastics every week, and microplastics can cause:

• Intestinal and local irritation and inflammation
• Metabolism problems
• Oxidative stress, or an imbalance between the production of free radicals and the body's ability to neutralize them
• Damage to the immune system and the hormonal system
• Altered sexual development
• Metabolic disorders which in turn can lead to obesity and diabetes problems, among other consequences.
• Chronic respiratory difficulties and fibrosis

The difficulties of removal

Compounding the situation and the dangers of microplastics is the fact that there is no efficient technology to remove them from water or soil, and plastic recycling practices are not able to effectively process such small particles. Currently, the only truly effective solution to reduce microplastics and their risks is reduce plastic consumption, paying close attention when disposing of it to avoid waste from this material being released into the environment.

What does the law say about microplastics?

For several years, efforts have been made to limit its spread. One of the latest steps forward was the European Commission's adoption of measures restricting its "intentional" addition to certain products. These include cosmetics, fabric softeners, glitter, fertilizers, toys, medicines, medical devices, products used on artificial sports surfaces. The restrictions set out in Regulation (EU) 2023/2055 came into force on 17 October 2023. However, in 2018, MEPs had already approved measures aimed at increasing plastic waste recycling rates in the European Union.

How to protect yourself from microplastics

The first defense against microplastics is reducing plastic use. This applies everywhere, starting with household consumption and the infamous bottled mineral water we consume heavily. Other small ways to reduce the risks associated with microplastics include:

• • Trying to choose the bulk shopping to have fewer plastic containers that are then disposed of badly and pollute
  • Use glass or ceramic containers in the kitchen, not plastic ones.
  • Replace plastic bottles with eco-friendly water bottles for outdoor use.
  • Choose cosmetic and personal hygiene products whose labels show a low percentage of microplastics
  • Reduce synthetic garments and fabrics
  • Eliminate single-use plastic items
  • Also for i children's toys minimize products with plastic

Read also:

• Straws: All the Alternatives to Plastic
• Reusable bottles: the sustainable alternative to disposable plastic cups
• How to recycle plastic bottles
• Reduce plastic every day