Tiny Particles, Big Impact: How Microplastics Might Be Sneaking Under Your Skin

 Sarah, the beach enthusiast

Imagine this scenario: Sarah, a beach enthusiast, spends her weekends collecting seashells and soaking up the sun, unaware she's also accumulating microplastics on her skin.

John, the avid jogger

Similarly, in a bustling city like Auckland, where scientists have uncovered a startling fact – each year, a vast amount of microplastics, comparable in weight to about 3 million plastic water bottles, quietly settles over the city – John, an avid jogger, unknowingly breathes in these tiny plastic particles that float in the air. 

This is the reality of our world, a situation made even more alarming by the recent groundbreaking research by Abafe et al. (2023), highlighting the dermal bioaccessibility and human exposure to the chemicals in microplastics.

A small city's worth of plastic scattered across the sea

Considering their durability, light weight, strength, and low cost, plastics are extensively used in a wide array of everyday items, including packaging, clothing, personal care products, and gadgets. In fact, over 430 million tonnes of plastic are produced annually, but only 9% of this gets recycled. Consequently, a significant portion of these plastics end up in the environment, contributing to the increasing problem of microplastics. A staggering estimate suggests over 5 trillion tiny plastic pieces, weighing around 268,000 tons, have been deposited into the oceans—equivalent to a small city's worth of plastic scattered across the sea

Microplastics: A Hidden Hazard

These tiny particles, less than five millimeters in size, are either released directly or shed from larger plastic items that we use every day. Imagine the harm they can do, unseen but pervasive, as they accumulate in our environment. Fish, seabirds, and marine mammals unwittingly consume these particles, introducing them into the food chain, which ultimately leads back to us. The health implications are still unfolding, but the early signs are worrying. Microplastics have been found in human organs and are known to carry toxins. Their small size makes them easily ingested and difficult to remove from our ecosystems.

Part of our daily lives

Microplastics are not just an oceanic issue; they're a part of our daily lives. This study reveals how brominated flame retardants, which are often added to plastics during manufacture, can potentially seep into our skin. A fact that becomes more concerning considering their ubiquitous presence in our environment.

The Study That Connects the Dots

Abafe and team used innovative methods to explore this phenomenon. They discovered that the size of microplastics and the presence of cosmetics significantly influence the absorption of harmful chemicals through the skin. It's like finding out that your daily skincare routine might inadvertently be helping these chemicals penetrate deeper. The key findings of the study are:

Chemicals Through Skin: The study found that harmful chemicals in small plastic particles can get into the body through the skin.

Different Plastics, Different Risks: The risk varies with the type of plastic and its size.

Other Factors: Things like cosmetics can affect how much of these chemicals get into the skin.

Health Concerns: This research shows a new way that people can be exposed to dangerous chemicals, highlighting the need for more awareness and safety measures.

Real-life Implications

Let's take Lisa, a cosmetic enthusiast. She's unaware that her favourite glittery makeup could be a gateway for these chemicals. And there's Alex, a parent, who is unknowingly exposing his child to these particles through daily activities and by purchasing colourful plastic toys or synthetic clothes. Both cases underscore the hidden risks of common items in our daily lives, revealing how easily microplastics and associated chemicals can enter our environment and bodies

Well! At least you can do something about this.

This research isn't just a scientific exploration; it's a mirror showing us the hidden dangers in our seemingly harmless habits. It urges us to rethink our choices, from the cosmetics we use to our attitude towards plastic consumption. By taking these steps, you can help reduce the proliferation of microplastics and mitigate their potential health risks.

Choose Natural Fibers and Plastic-Free Products: While it's challenging to avoid plastics entirely, consciously choosing plastic-free items for daily use is a positive step. For instance, when shopping for clothes, prioritize natural fibers instead of synthetic ones, as this helps reduce microplastic release during laundering. This approach can also extend to selecting toys, gifts, and cosmetics that are free from plastic components. Making these mindful choices can significantly contribute to reducing our plastic footprint and exposure to harmful chemical additives.

Reduce Plastic Use: Cut down on single-use plastics like plastic bags, straws, and bottles. Opt for reusable alternatives like cloth bags, metal straws, and refillable water bottles.

Proper Waste Disposal: Dispose of waste properly and participate in recycling programs to prevent plastics from ending up in the environment.

Support Eco-Friendly Products: Buy products from companies that use environmentally friendly packaging and support sustainable practices.

Educate and Spread Awareness: Inform others about the impact of microplastics and encourage them to make environmentally conscious choices. You can start by sharing this article or any of our podcast.

Use Microplastic Filters: Install filters in washing machines to catch microfibers from synthetic clothes.

Participate in Clean-ups: Join or organize local beach, park, or river clean-ups to help remove plastic waste from the environment.

Support Environmental Policies: Advocate for and support policies that aim to reduce plastic production and pollution.

Conclusion

In conclusion, while the study by Abafe et al. (2013) opens more questions than answers, it's a crucial step in understanding the invisible threats we face in our modern world. It's a call for awareness, for change, and for a more conscious lifestyle. We might not see these microplastics, but their impact is real, and it's time we paid attention.