[ad_1]
Tiny plastic particles may be lurking in the air we breathe and experts are warning about their potential health risks. Researchers say worn-out car tires and rotting garbage are spreading microplastics into the environment, which may be linked to infertility, colon cancer and respiratory problems.
Microplastics found in cosmetics, toothpaste, food containers and clothing have already raised health concerns. Now, studies show that these tiny pieces, smaller than a grain of rice, can damage cells, cause inflammation and disrupt gut bacteria. (Also read: Paying with plastic: how microplastics are changing our world ,
Increasing plastic pollution and its health risks
After analyzing 3,000 studies, researchers at UC San Francisco (UCSF) suspect that microplastics may have negative effects on reproductive, digestive and respiratory health, possibly linking them to colon and lung cancer. “Microplastics are essentially particulate matter air pollution, and we already know this type of pollution is harmful,” said senior study author and UCSF professor of obstetrics, gynecology and reproductive sciences Tracy J. Woodruff said.
According to the research team, companies around the world produce about 460 million metric tons of plastic annually, which is projected to reach 1.1 billion by 2050. Microplastics are classified into two types: primary and secondary. Primary microplastics, like microbeads in cosmetics, are designed for specific purposes such as exfoliation. Secondary microplastics, on the other hand, are produced from the breakdown of larger plastic items over time.
What UCSF researchers discovered
UCSF researchers revealed that wear and tear on car tires from road friction is a major source of airborne plastic particles. Humans ultimately inhale or swallow these microplastics, with studies showing that Americans consume about 39,000 to 52,000 particles annually.
Microplastics have been found in human umbilical cord, lungs, liver, urine, breast milk and blood. The study highlighted “high” evidence linking microplastics to poor sperm quality, testicular problems and weakened immunity. It also found “moderate” evidence of damage to ovarian follicles, reproductive hormones, colon, small intestine and lung function.
[ad_2]
