​Airborne microplastic can lead to lung and colon cancers, says study

A new study has now warned about the health risks of having microplastics in the air. In 2019, 460 million metric tons of plastic were produced, which is estimated to triple by 2060 according to studies. Most plastic production is dominated by single-use plastics, with 98% sourced from fossil fuels.
Fossil fuels are used to make petrochemicals, a diverse group of chemicals that serve as the primary raw materials for plastic manufacturing. Anticipating the downfall of the sales of oil and gas, the petrochemical industry is increasingly focusing on expanding plastic production. This has raised concerns, as plastic production contributes to greenhouse gases, and adversely affects human health
The researchers at the University of California, San Francisco studied the effects of microplastic exposure on human digestive, reproductive, and respiratory health. They warned that the microplastics can lead to lung and

colon cancer

. They noted that the tiny pieces of plastic that are produced due to tire and degrading garbage can cause respiratory and other illnesses.

The researchers reviewed about 3,000 studies that observed the serious health problems caused due to microplastics. This includes male and female infertility, colon cancer, poor lung function, and chronic pulmonary inflammation, which can increase the risk of

lung cancer

.
“These microplastics are basically particulate matter air pollution, and we know this type of air pollution is harmful,” said Tracey J. Woodruff, PhD, MPH, a professor of obstetrics, gynecology, and reproductive sciences at UCSF and the senior author of the study, in a release. The

study was published in the journal Environmental Science & Technology on Dec. 18.
What are microplastics?

Microplastics (MPs,) are plastic particles ranging in size from 5 millimeters (mm), which is about the size of a pencil eraser, to 1 nanometer (nm), according to the United States Environmental Protection Agency. For better visualization, know that human hair is about 80,000 nanometers wide. Microplastics, which are even smaller than a grain of rice, are ubiquitous in the environment. The risk of microplastics in the air is majorly contributed by tires. As we drive, the friction wears down tires along with the road surface, sending plastic fragments into the air.

Interestingly, this is the first systematic review of microplastics using gold-standard methods approved by the National Academy of Sciences.

Earlier studies in the review were based on animals. The researchers stated that the conclusions likely apply to humans as well, as they share the same exposures. The study builds on a report the researchers collaborated on last year with the California State Policy Evidence Consortium (CalSPEC). This Consortium brings together experts from the UC system and offers evidence to guide policymakers in the California State Legislature. “We urge regulatory agencies and policy leaders to consider the growing evidence of health harms from microplastics, including colon and lung cancer. We hope state leaders will take immediate action to prevent further exposures,” said Nicholas Chartres, PhD, the first author of the study, and head of the science and policy team at PRHE.

The study also urged that governments at all levels of jurisdiction (federal, state, and local) should take immediate action to mitigate exposure to microplastics.
(Pic courtesy: iStock)