Exploring the potential impact of microplastics on your health

Updated On: 29 June, 2024 11:45 AM IST | Mumbai | Maitrai Agarwal

Medical expert answers the most commonly asked questions the potential health risks associated with microplastics

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Microplastics are everywhere. From the deepest trenches of the ocean to the peaks of mountains, these plastic pollutants have been invading our environment for decades. But their presence isn`t just an ecological concern - there are growing worries about the potential impact of microplastics on human health. A recent study by Science Direct says that microplastics travel throughout the body and that microplastics could contribute to specific problems, such as vascular inflammation or changes in blood clotting function. The health consequences of ingesting and inhaling microplastics are varied and can be long term. Dr. Rakesh Deshmane, consultant, cardiothoracic and vascular surgery at Manipal Hospital, delves into the current concerns regarding the effect of microplastics on human health, exploring how we`re exposed, the potential health risks, and more.

What are microplastics?
Deshmane: Microplastics are just tiny fragments of plastics whose dimensions do not exceed 5 millimeters, originating more than often from decomposing plastic waste, industrial processes, and many consumer products. Being little, they can be swallowed or breathed into the body thereby affecting human health in certain cases and the environment too. Prolonged exposure to these particles leads them to build up within organisms hence raising fears over what they might result in in the end. Microplastics, which are commonly seen in oceans and other water bodies, have raised concerns because they can interact with sea creatures and may end up in the diet of these creatures., hence needing more studies and methods for reducing their widespread presence that needs attention.

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Home / Lifestyle / Health & Fitness / Article / Exploring the potential impact of microplastics on your health