Kristin Toussaint
3 minutes reading
As more research reveals the presence of microplastics in everything from Antarctic snow to food, we are beginning to understand how these tiny pieces of plastic harm our health.
These microscopic particles can enter the body through water and air, and are not just a health risk in and of themselves. They also carry toxic chemicals, which can enter the bloodstream through the skin.
Plastic is full of chemicals. In some cases, these compounds are used to make flame-retardant plastics – in covers, carpets, building materials, electronics, and so on. These chemicals have been linked to cancer, developmental problems, and other health risks in humans.
Some of them have already been banned, such as brominated flame retardant, which has been banned in the US since 2004. But these chemicals are still prevalent in air pollution and in older products, which release or leak microplastics.
Researchers at the University of Birmingham had previously discovered that microplastics release these chemicals in human sweat. We are exposed to microplastics in many ways. Fabrics and plastic fibers, whether in clothing or furniture, release microplastics when used or touched.
This is the first experimental evidence that chemicals added to microplastics can penetrate the body through the skin.
Microplastics are also present in indoor dust. Cosmetics are another class of products that may contain microplastics, which come into direct contact with the skin. Even baby bottles release microplastics when they are heated.
A study published in the journal “Environment International” discovered that these chemicals cross the skin barrier and enter the body. The amount absorbed will depend on the degree of sweat (more “hydrated” skin absorbs more chemicals). But researchers discovered that human skin absorbs up to 8% of the chemical to which it is exposed.
“Microplastics are everywhere in the environment, but we still know relatively little about the health problems they can cause. Our research shows that they play a role as ‘carriers’ for harmful chemicals, which can enter the bloodstream through of the skin”, explains the study’s lead author, Ovokeroye Abafe.
“These chemicals are persistent. With continuous or regular exposure to them, there will be a gradual accumulation, until a stage where they begin to cause damage”, he adds.
The research team conducted the study using 3D human skin models, rather than animals or volunteers. Over a 24-hour period, they exposed the models to two common microplastics containing polybrominated diphenyl ethers, a class of flame retardants. They created their own microplastics by grinding up polyethylene and polypropylene and applying them to the surface of skin models.
According to the research team, this is the first experimental evidence that chemicals added to microplastics are capable of penetrating the bloodstream through sweat and skin.
The plan is to conduct more research to understand other ways microplastics carry toxic chemicals into the body and how we can reduce this risk of exposure.
human skin absorbs up to 8% of the chemical to which it is exposed.
Flame retardant chemicals are just one type of toxic additive. Plastics can also be full of PFAS, known as forever chemicals.
All of these products have been associated with adverse health effects, such as increased blood pressure, cardiovascular diseases, endocrine disruption, among others. When pieces of plastic break down into microplastics, these little pieces also carry toxic chemicals.
The research results, according to the scientists, “provide important experimental evidence for regulators and public policymakers to legislate on microplastics and protect the population’s health against this type of exposure.”
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Kristin Toussaint is an assistant editor on Fast Company’s Impact desk. know more
Tags: Microplastics full toxins penetrate skin
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