Microplastics and Human Health

There are many different sorts of plastics but they all slowly degrade to microplastic particles (5mm-100nm) and then to nanoplastics (100nm-1nm). These particles are found in the atmosphere and also in aquatic environments. Humans breathe in airborne particles which reach the respiratory tract then the gastrointestinal tract and can also absorb food-borne particles across the gut wall. Although microplastics can damage aquatic life, so far there is little evidence that they accumulate in humans as they seem to be eliminated by various routes. However, nanoplastics may be more of a problem long-term as they can cross membranes and potentially reach organs such as the brain and reproductive systems. Can we take counter-measures? We could avoid eating large amounts of shellfish and also develop better ways to reduce plastic waste.

About the presenter:

Dr Rosemary Waring is currently a director of 'Tharos' and a member of the UK Government Committee on 'Carcinogenesis of Environmental Compounds'. Now retired from the University of Birmingham, she has over 40 years experience as a toxicologist and is focused on the interactions of environmental contaminants with human health.