In recent years, the presence of plastics in our environment has become an increasingly urgent topic. While microplastics — tiny fragments of plastic less than 5 millimetres in size — have gained considerable attention, even smaller particles, known as nano plastics, are now emerging as a significant threat to both the environment and human health.
What Are Nano and Micro Plastics?
Nano plastics are plastic particles typically smaller than 100 nanometres (a nanometre is one-billionth of a metre). These particles can originate from the breakdown of larger plastic debris or may be intentionally manufactured for use in products such as cosmetics, paints, and coatings.
Microplastics are small plastic particles, generally defined as being less than 5 millimetres in at least one dimension, while nanoplastics are even smaller, typically less than 1 micrometre. Both can be found in a variety of sizes, shapes, and colours, and are generated through the fragmentation of larger plastic debris, breakdown of plastic products, and release of microfibers from textiles, and foods we consume etc.
Due to their minuscule size, nano plastics behave differently from larger plastic fragments. They can penetrate biological barriers, enter cells, and potentially disrupt physiological processes in ways that are still not fully understood.
How Do Nano Plastics Enter the Body?
Humans are exposed to nano plastics through various pathways:
- Ingestion: Contaminated food and water are common sources. Seafood, particularly shellfish, has been found to contain plastic particles, as have bottled water and even table salt.
- Inhalation: Nano plastics can be airborne, originating from sources like synthetic clothing, industrial emissions, and vehicle tyres. These particles may be inhaled and reach deep into the lungs.
- Dermal contact: Though less understood, it is believed that nano plastics in personal care products or contaminated dust can come into contact with the skin and potentially be absorbed.
Potential Health Impacts
Research on the health effects of nano plastics is still in its infancy, but early studies offer cause for concern. Potential health risks include:
- Inflammation and cellular damage: Nano plastics can provoke inflammatory responses and damage cells, especially if they accumulate in organs.
- Endocrine disruption: Some plastics contain additives such as phthalates and bisphenol A (BPA), which are known endocrine disruptors and can interfere with hormonal balance.
- Neurological effects: Animal studies suggest that nano plastics may cross the blood-brain barrier, raising questions about their impact on brain health and development.
- Immune system interference: The immune system may struggle to recognise and deal with nano plastics, potentially leading to chronic conditions.
The Unseen Threat
One of the most worrying aspects of nano plastics is that they are invisible to the naked eye and difficult to detect using standard environmental testing methods. As a result, there is limited data on the extent of human exposure, making it challenging to assess the full scope of the problem.
What Can Be Done?
Addressing the issue of nano plastics requires a multi-pronged approach:
- Reducing plastic use: Opting for reusable, plastic-free alternative (herein lies our biggest challenge, because almost everything we use today has a percentage of plastic in its manufacturing process), can help limit the breakdown of plastics into the environment.
- Improved regulation and research: Governments and scientific bodies must prioritise research into nano plastics and develop regulatory frameworks to control their production and release.
- Industry responsibility: Manufacturers should be encouraged to phase out harmful additives and invest in safer, more sustainable materials.
- Personal precautions: While it’s difficult to eliminate exposure entirely, individuals can reduce risk by choosing fresh, unpackaged food, using water filters, avoiding personal care products containing microbeads, and improving indoor air quality through ventilation and cleaning.
Nano and micro plastics represent a modern environmental challenge that could have profound implications for human health. Although much remains to be understood, the existing evidence suggests a need for precaution, innovation, and global collaboration. As research continues, as seniors, raising awareness and advocating for change remain essential steps in protecting ourselves and future generations from this hidden hazard.
