Microplastics are everywhere, most notably inside our own bodies. To mitigate potential harmful effects such as cancer and fertility issues, students should take steps to avoid these often-invisible polymers. These plastic particles are defined as being less than five millimeters in size according to NOAA.
Over the past century various harmful substances have been discovered in the environment, from carcinogens (cancer-causing materials) such as asbestos to brain-damaging heavy metals such as lead from leaded fuel combustion. Recently, one observed toxic phenomena has been microplastics.
Studies have shown that micro and nanoplastics, particles less than one micrometer, could affect a wide variety of human biological functions, from our DNA to major organs to overall development.
The same studies suggest that microplastics may have carcinogenic effects and damage metabolism, immune systems and reproductive health.
While microplastics are found in air, water, clothing, single-use plastic products and food, it is possible to mitigate intake by choosing to use non-plastic products. For example, plastic plates and cutting boards are common sources that are easy to avoid. Other food-related items such as plastic tea bags, coffee pods, containers, blenders and utensils can also be avoided by using glass, metal or wood products.
Using reusable metal utensils instead of disposable plastic utensils at campus dining halls is one easy way to avoid microplastics. Students can get free reusable dishes from Sustainable Carolina at campus events. It is also safer to drink from metal reusable bottles instead of disposable plastic bottles because plastic bottles contain microplastics while metal bottles do not.
Dorm-room microwaves are useful, but can also initiate microplastic release in plastic containers. Microwavable mac and cheese, dinners like those sold at Market 101, ramen cups, plates, bowls, cups etc. are all common college staples that should be microwaved in other dishes..
Utilizing reusable instead of single-use products helps reduce contribution to microplastic pollution on a large scale as well. Plastic waste, which often winds up in the ocean in places such as the Great Pacific Garbage Patch, deteriorates over time, releasing plastic particles into the sea.
Due to this pollution, microplastics have been found in the Mariana Trench, the lowest natural point on earth; the top of Mount Everest, the highest point on earth; and in both the Arctic and Antarctic. They were first detected in the ocean in the 1970s and are even ingested by sea creatures, potentially harming oceanic life.
This vast distribution does have negative environmental effects. A recent study found photosynthesis, the cellular process by which plants produce energy, is harmed by microplastics. The researchers found this pollution accounts for a loss of several hundred million metric tons of crop production and up to 24 million metric tons of seafood production per year.
Steps taken to reduce intake and exposure could be beneficial. Microplastics–more specifically, nanoplastics–may cause DNA damage and gene dysfunction, ultimately leading to cancer. The fewer opportunities these particles have to wreak genetic havoc, the better.
Cancer occurs when genes involved in cell division mutate, causing unmitigated cell division. Carcinogens are substances that mutate DNA or harm the function of genes. Less carcinogen exposure means less mutation and a lower risk for cancer.
There is no one cure for what Pulitzer Prize-winning author, doctor and researcher Siddhartha Mukherjee called “the Emperor of All Maladies.” But students should do their best to reduce the risk of cancer by avoiding common sources of microplastics and other carcinogens.
Unfortunately, there is no way to completely avoid microplastics. Human brains may contain as much microplastic by weight as a plastic spoon. People with dementia have been found to have significantly greater concentrations in their brains than those without.
Researchers have had difficulty with the particles’ effects because there is almost no control group: nearly everyone has traces of microplastics. In one study, they were found in every sample of male reproductive organs tested.
By pushing ourselves and the world towards freedom from toxic particles and carcinogens, we can pave the way for a healthier future. The previous generation shone light upon the lung-cancer-causing effects of tobacco smoking. It is time for our generation to turn away from modern poisons.
If all or nearly all humans are infested with microplastics, they may be impossible to truly avoid. However, it is possible to take active steps to lessen exposure and mitigate risk of known and unknown effects.