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The Health Effects of Presence of Microplastics in Water Resources and Food Products: A Narrative Review
Summary
Researchers reviewed how microplastics from packaged foods, bottled water, and plastic containers enter the human body, accumulating in organs including the liver, muscle, and brain after passing through the intestinal wall into the bloodstream. The review links microplastic exposure to digestive damage, nervous system disruption, and potentially cancer, recommending reduced use of single-use plastics as a practical protective step.
The production of plastic materials has increased in recent decades due to the development of industries and the increase in packaged products, which after disposal in the environment, become fine particles called microplastics that can pollute the environment, especially water resources.Various studies have reported the presence and release of microplastics in food products such as salts and sugars, processed and packaged food, disposable plastic and paper containers and cups, and bottles of mineral water.Microplastics enter the food chain due to their very small size (less than 5mm) and can enter the bodies of living organisms and humans and gain bioaccumulation.Microplastics can enter the bloodstream through the intestines, and penetrate to all organs and tissues.Studies show the presence of microplastic particles in tissues such as the liver, muscles, and brain.Living organisms and humans suffer internal injuries due to direct or indirect microplastics consumption through water, food, and respiratory system, especially in the digestive systems and intestinal obstruction, disruption of the activities of tissues and organs, disruption of the central nervous system, and even some cancers.Therefore, it is recommended to reduce exposure to microplastics by properly managing the production and consumption of plastics and culturalizing less use of packaged and disposable products.
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