Fashion is a powerful form of self-expression, with people curating their own unique collection of clothing to express their individuality. However, behind the vibrant layers of fabric made to suit a diverse audience lies an incredibly harmful manufacturing industry.  

While the harmful effects from the fashion industry mainly go unnoticed by consumers, especially those in Global North countries such as the United States, individuals in the Global South cannot ignore the impacts that textile manufacturing has on their health and the environment. Countries in the Global South that face significant negative impacts of textile production include, but are not limited to, countries in Sub-Saharan Africa, South, and Southeast Asia such as Ghana, Bangladesh, and Indonesia. 

Global textile production is predicted to grow from 109 million tonnes in 2020 to 145 million tonnes by 2030. Already, the textile industry has caused serious adverse health effects for not just garment workers, but individuals who live near textile factories or those who feel the effects downstream. As the textile industry continues to experience an increase in productivity, more attention should be focused on those who bear the brunt of the harms of textile manufacturing.   

Poison in the Process 

Even before materials enter factories, the beginning stages of textile production expose workers to harmful chemicals. Conventional cotton, which makes up many inexpensive cotton products, uses pesticides during the growing process. In Burkina Faso, for example, more than 90% of total pesticides used in the country are for cotton farming. One of the most commonly used pesticides in Africa is profenofos. It is designated a World Health Organization hazard Class II and banned in over 34 countries due to its negative public health and environmental impact. Profenofos can disrupt the nervous system, causing nausea, dizziness, and at high exposures, respiratory paralysis. 

Globally, there are 300,000 deaths from pesticide poisoning each year, with 3 million cases of severe acute poisoning occurring. Severe cases of pesticide poisoning can result in heart, lung or kidney failure. Acute poisoning includes symptoms such as skin and eye irritation, headache, difficulty breathing, and seizures. In many low-income countries, a lack of personal protective equipment further contributes to pesticide exposure among agricultural workers.  

During the textile manufacturing process, workers are also exposed to a number of harmful chemicals. The clothing industry uses over 8,000 chemicals in the manufacturing process, including over 3,600 textile dyes. From the dyeing process alone, there are 72 toxic chemicals used. These chemicals, including azo dyes and synthetic dyes, are carcinogenic. Toxic chemicals can be absorbed through the skin. Azo dyes can release cancer-causing materials and per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), used for flame retardancy, can cause cancers and suppress the immune system. 

Man Made Cellulosic Fibers (MMCF) are regenerative fibers made of cellulose and include common fabrics such as Lyocell and Viscose. Carbon disulfide is used in the production of Viscose to treat cellulosic pulp, which is material primarily obtained from trees. Exposure to this chemical can result in numerous adverse health impacts, including toxic degenerative brain disease and nerve damage. Chronic exposure can result in an increased risk of heart disease and stroke. Additionally, sodium hydroxide, which is used to dissolve the pulp, can result in severe burns and eye damage if it makes direct contact with the skin. For garment workers in countries such as Bangladesh, low safety measures and poor ventilation increase their exposure to toxic chemicals and likelihood of adverse health impacts.  

Toxic Tides  

Not only does chemical exposure harm garment workers, but chemical runoff from manufacturing facilities flows into nearby waterways and harms aquatic life, communities, and food sources. The chemicals used can make water unfit for consumption as it can damage sewage pipes, allowing waste and harmful materials to enter drinking water supplies. Chemicals used during the dyeing and finishing process are not biodegradable, meaning they do not decompose and remain present and harmful in the environment over a long period of time.  

Dyes can prevent sunlight from penetrating bodies of water, which can harm aquatic vegetation that relies on photosynthesis to produce nutrients. 60 to 70% of azo dyes, which are one type of clothing dye, are carcinogenic. Synthetic dyes released into aquifers have potential cancer and mutation causing effects on aquatic life and can stunt their growth. In humans, contact with wastewater containing these dyes and other chemicals used in textile manufacturing can cause allergies, dermatitis, skin irritation, cancers, and mutations. 

In bodies of water and tap water in parts of Bangladesh with garment factories, there are dangerously high levels of “forever chemicals,” which can cause a variety of illnesses and certain cancers. “Forever chemicals” are per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), which can persist in the environment and human body for years and accumulate in living organisms over time. Untreated industrial waste from textile factories are often released directly into rivers used for domestic activities such as washing clothes. In Lesotho, the Mokohare River has been dyed blue and shows high levels of contamination as a result of denim manufacturing. Due to waste from its many textile factories, parts of the Msimbazi River in Tanzania have pH levels as high as 12, making it dangerous for the communities that rely on the water essential for their everyday lives.  

A study done in West Bengal highlighted the impacts of improperly treated textile wastewater on local agriculture. It was found that crops such as papaya and guava had lead concentrations that exceeded the WHO’s permissible limits. These crops were watered with improperly treated wastewater containing heavy metals, which were absorbed through the soil by plants. Heavy metal exposure can result in neurological sickness, damage to the gastrointestinal tract, and kidney, joint, and reproductive system malfunctions. 

Warming Wardrobes 

Each year, it is estimated that 80 billion new items of clothing are purchased around the world. While fabrics are bought and enjoyed the most in Global North Countries, Low-Medium income countries often receive the bulk of the resulting textile waste. Countries such as the United States will “donate” clothes to Global South countries to be used as secondhand clothing. 64.5% of clothing exported by the Global North is received by developing countries. However, many articles of donated clothing are unwearable due to damages and poor quality, and are then transferred to landfills.  

In Ghana, for example, about 40% of secondhand clothing becomes waste, which is about 4 to 6 million garments a week. This puts a strain on the already overwhelmed waste management system, with local bodies of water and the ocean becoming polluted with clothing. In countries without a formalized waste management system, clothing is commonly destroyed through open burning, releasing smoke, air pollutants, and greenhouse gases into the surrounding communities. Clothing in landfills can also unintentionally catch fire as gases and chemicals become trapped underneath textiles, resulting in spontaneous burning. Additionally, clothing scraps are also burned for fuel. The burning of synthetic fibers and polyester can contribute to methane emissions.  

The burning of textile and other wastes contributes to the already warming climate. While climate change poses severe threats for all individuals, garment workers are specifically affected by extreme heat conditions and flooding. Areas such as India and Bangladesh, which have many garment factories, are expected to experience intensified flooding and extreme heat. Such weather conditions, combined with already poor working conditions, makes garment workers especially vulnerable to the climate crisis.  

The worsening working environment as a result of climate change disproportionately impacts women and pregnant workers. Factories often do not have cooling systems or ventilation, contributing to high occupational heat exposure along with rising global temperatures. Heat exposure can have short- and long-term consequences, aggravating cardiovascular diseases and increasing one’s risk of stroke and dementia. Severe heat exposure during pregnancy can cause severe maternal health complications and harm fetuses, resulting in stillbirth and birth defects.

Global North’s Consumption, Global South’s Burden 

While the consumers in the Global North overconsume clothing products, individuals in the Global South often pay the true price. The production process results in exposure to an array of harmful chemicals that are often unavoidable due to their prevalence in bodies of water and inability to break down over time. Even when articles of clothing are at the end of their cycle, they are returned to Global South countries which are often overwhelmed by the vast quantities of waste received.  The mass production in the clothing industry contributes greatly to global warming, posing major threats to workers in factories who often face the most severe effects of climate change.

As textile manufacturing continues to have increasingly harmful effects on human health and the environment, it is crucial for there to be greater protections for individuals working in the industry and those who are impacted by environmental pollution resulting from manufacturing. If you are interested in learning more about the impacts of clothing production, check out EARTHDAY.ORG’s Fashion for the Earth campaign, and sign our petition to support greater regulations in the fashion industry.

This article is available for republishing on your website, newsletter, magazine, newspaper, or blog. The accompanying imagery is cleared for use with attribution. Please ensure that the author’s name and their affiliation with EARTHDAY.ORG are credited. Kindly inform us if you republish so we can acknowledge, tag, or repost your content. You may notify us via email at davies@earthday.org or fielder@earthday.org. Want more articles? Follow us on substack.

The post Hazardous Hems: How Fashion Wreaks Havoc on Health appeared first on Earth Day.

Once thought to be inert, all plastics degrade over time and through wear and tear break into smaller pieces called micro or nanoplastics. These in turn leach out the toxic plastic chemicals used to make them and enter both the environment and all living things.  Both the microplastics and their toxic chemicals are dangerous for human health. 

That is why Aminah Taariq-Sidibe, our Manager for End Plastics Initiatives, is at the UN’s Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee, INC 5.2, in Geneva, speaking up for robust new legislation to manage our plastic crisis. EARTHDAY.ORG is calling for 60% cuts in global plastic production by 2040. The only way to tackle our plastic problem is by making less plastics. 

Where Have Microplastics Been Found?

Microplastics have been found in placentas, breast milk, lung tissue, the brain and gastrointestinal tissues, and a Dutch study even found microplastics in human blood.

I never would have imagined it was this high. I certainly don’t feel comfortable with this much plastic in my brain, and I don’t need to wait around 30 more years to find out what happens if the concentrations quadruple.

– Matthew Campen, PhD, Distinguished & Regents’ Professor, UNM College of Pharmacy

A comprehensive study published by the Minderoo Foundation determined that “…there is consistent and irrefutable evidence that plastic chemicals in every class examined harm human health across the entire human life cycle.” In fact, The Lancet estimates that they cause at least $1.5 trillion in health related damages each year.

For years we have been sold the lie that we shouldn’t worry about our epic plastic pollution problem because we could recycle our way out of it but here’s the twist: in 1974, an executive from the plastic maker DuPont admitted in a letter, uncovered decades later by the investigative team at DeSmog, that many commonly used plastic products were unrecyclable due to their complex chemical makeup. DuPont knew. Just like  ExxonMobil knew burning fossil fuels caused climate change. 

Now it is time for us to expose the truth. Here are 12 of the main sources of our involuntary plastic consumption, be it ingesting it, absorbing it or breathing it in,  and ways you can limit your plastic exposure: 

1) What’s in Your Water?

You can only survive 3 days without it. But our water has been infected with plastics. Every year, over 481 billion plastic water bottles are thrown away all over the world. Studies have found that 93% of bottled water contains detectable microplastic particles, and some have up to 240,000 particles per liter. 

Heat speeds up plastic degradation and causes plastic bottles to leach chemicals like Bisphenols and antimony into what you are drinking. And those giant 5-gallon office jugs contain microplastics too, especially when they’re reused for months and exposed to fluctuating temperatures.

Tap water generally has lower levels of microplastics, but one study found microplastics in 94% of U.S. tap water samples. Degraded plastic pipes, runoff from landfills and stormwater systems are all sources. 

Water filters can reduce exposure, but not all filters are created equal. Often the plastic pitchers in your fridge are made of polypropylene or styrene-based polymers, which can leach estrogenic chemicals into your water. When it comes to filtration itself, pore size matters. Only high-end systems like reverse osmosis (RO), which can block particles down to 0.0001 microns, are really effective at catching microplastics.

2) You Are What You Eat 

Microplastics sneak into our food too. Plastic trash makes its way into our oceans where it breaks down and is swallowed by filler feeders like mussels, oysters, and clams. A 2021 study found that European mussels contained an average of 1.6 microplastic particles per gram of tissue. Anything else that eats shellfish is then infected. And since we eat shellfish whole, digestive tract and all, all those plastics go directly into us. . 

But even land-based diets aren’t plastic free. 88% of all protein based foods contain microplastics. There’s growing evidence that red meat contains plastic particles although grass-fed, pasture-raised, and non-GMO meats may reduce some contaminants.

Interestingly, leafy vegetables tend to contain fewer microplastics than root vegetables like carrots or potatoes. Fruits and vegetables have been found to absorb microplastics through their roots from contaminated soil. 

Plastics also enter your food long before it hits your plate. Canned food is often lined with bisphenol A (BPA) or epoxy resin. Soda cans are often lined in the same way even though this resin has been flagged for releasing endocrine-disrupting chemicals linked to cancer, respiratory, reproduction, and skin irritations. 

Plastic containers can leach plastic chemicals into your food; especially if the food is hot, oily, or acidic. Plastic wrap and sandwich bags are made from soft plastics like polyvinylidene chloride (PVDC) or low-density polyethylene (LDPE) which are suspected carcinogens. Styrofoam, made from polystyrene (#6 plastic), commonly used for takeout containers is a notorious source of styrene, which is a probable human carcinogen. 

So when you go out, we suggest you bring your own glass or stainless steel containers for left overs and pick plain brown paper bags over anything plastic to wrap your food.

Plastic doesn’t stop at human food. Your pets are eating it too. Pet food cans, like their human counterparts, are often lined with BPA. Plus, plastic feeding bowls break down over time, releasing even more of the stuff into Fido’s dinner. So consider serving them home style pet food in glass or stainless steel. There are lots of great resources on-line for this and the ASPA has advice on the nutrients your pet needs. 

3) Glitz, Glam, and Gutfuls of Plastic

You probably didn’t wake up this morning thinking, “Today, I’ll wear plastic.” But if you’re rocking anything made of polyester, nylon, acrylic, or spandex you absolutely are. These common fabrics are all forms of plastic, spun into thread, dyed into color, and sewn into your favorite T-shirt, gym leggings, or underwear. When your synthetic clothes are manufactured, worn, washed, or even just jiggled around in your closet, they shed microfibers into the environment and into you. 

A single load of laundry can release up to 700,000 microfibers, many of which breeze past wastewater filters and flow straight into rivers and are responsible for up to 35% of microplastic pollution in oceans. Globally, this adds up to 500,000 tons of microfibers slipping into our water systems every year. But this isn’t just a fish problem. They also ride the air like tiny plastic tumbleweeds, drifting into your home, your food, and your lungs. Research has found that 33% of indoor dust is made of microplastics from textiles. It’s estimated the average person swallows or inhales between 68,000 plastic particles a year, just from the air inside their own house. 

Vacuum often; this helps cut down on microfiber dust. Opt for clothing made from natural materials like organic cotton, hemp, linen, bamboo, or wool.  Ultimately, governments must step in to require filters on washing machines and push the fashion industry to be accountable.

4) Medical Equipment: Life Saving or Endangering?

From gloves, tubing, and IV bags to ventilators and catheters, plastic is everywhere in modern healthcare. Plastic makes up an estimated 30% of all healthcare waste globally. Each year, the medical industry throws out 15 million tonnes of single-use plastic –  that’s as much as 1,500 Eiffel Towers! 

Many medical devices, especially flexible ones like tubing and IV bags, are made from polyvinyl chloride (PVC). Studies have found that patients can show measurable levels of BPA and DEHP in their blood or urine, depending on how much tubing or plastic equipment they’re exposed to. 

Ask what materials are being used for your treatment. Some safer alternatives already exist, like DEHP-free blood bags, though they aren’t widely adopted yet. Hospitals and health systems should also push for a plastic free future in medicine.

5) Too Much Plastic in Your Toiletries  

Many toiletries today are packed with something called synthetic polymers, which is a fancy name for plastics.They’re added to make products feel smooth, last longer, or carry fragrance. And while they may make your skin feel soft or your hair smell like coconuts, they’re also being absorbed into your body.

Shampoo is often filled with ingredients like phthalates, polyethylene glycols (PEGs), acrylates. These compounds seep through your skin and into your bloodstream. Phthalates are linked to fertility problems and avoid products with microbeads – those ‘beads’ are just yet more plastics. 87% of toiletries contain some form of microplastics, whether solid, liquid, or soluble. They are detrimental to your health and can actually accelerate aging. 

Even nail polish is plastic and contains resin, a type of plastic that allows the polish to dry. And don’t get us started on glittery polishes, which almost always contain PET plastic. Every time your polish chips, you’re releasing microplastics. 

Choose plastic-free or solid alternatives, like shampoo bars, cream deodorants in tins, or truly clean beauty brands. 

6)  Plastic Toys: What Our Pets and Babies Chew On

What do babies and pets have in common? They crawl around on the ground and put everything in their mouths. The problem is that many of the toys we give to our children and pets are made from plastics that contain phthalates and BPA that leach out through chewing, sucking, or contact with their skin. 

Dogs especially love to gnaw, but the plastic they’re sinking their teeth into isn’t edible. The long-term concern is chemicals leach out of microplastics and into your pets’ gums or digestive tracts. And don’t think these products are monitored, because they largely aren’t. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) doesn’t regulate pet toys and the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) only intervenes if a product poses a danger to humans; not animals. Claims like “indestructable” are meaningless. A 2019 study found that every single dog and cat tested had detectable levels of phthalates in their urine. These plasticizers can contribute to reproductive problems, liver damage, kidney issues, and more in our pets. 

Baby toys are more regulated. But around 90% of all baby toys on the market are made with or contain plastic, PVC and BPA. PVC is made using vinyl chloride, a known human and animal carcinogen, and it can leach out when toys are chewed, which is especially concerning for teething infants. BPA, is used to make plastic more durable, and in humans can lead to long-term health risks. In 2017, the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) took a step in the right direction by prohibiting children’s toys and child care articles from containing more than 0.1% of certain phthalates, restricting eight in total. 

But that’s not enough so protect your family by rejecting plastics and opting for toys made from natural, sustainable materials like organic cotton, natural rubber, bamboo, hemp, untreated wool, or wood. For pets, a knotted-up old cotton t-shirt can make a safe, chewable toy. Aside from reducing exposure to toxic chemicals, there’s another bonus to cutting back on plastic toys: kids who have fewer toys actually tend to play more creatively and with better focus. 

7) Hidden Household Plastics

Your kitchen is a plastic particle factory. Every time you chop veggies on a plastic cutting board, you’re shaving off microplastic slivers, over 1,000 particles of polypropylene and polyethylene per cutting session, which then cling to your food. Ditto for plastic cooking utensils: when nylon or polypropylene spatulas come into contact with heat (like a hot pan), they start breaking down, releasing microplastics and chemical additives like flame retardants into your food. Plastic cooking utensils contribute thousands of plastics to your diet per year!  And  your non-stick cookware is often coated with chemicals like PTFE, that can release toxic particles when heated. Instead, opt for stainless steel, cast iron, or ceramic cookware..

Most bedding these days are made with synthetic fibers like polyester or memory foam that release microplastics into the air and onto your skin. And  99% of carpets in the U.S. are made from plastic-based materials like nylon, polyester, and polypropylene. These release volatile organic compounds (VOCs) such as benzene and toluene that can cause headaches, eye irritation, and even organ damage. All of these plastic fibers create dust which is why regular vacuuming is important.

8) Plastic Gardens

Plastic plant pots and seedling trays over time, under sunlight and water, start to break down and flake, releasing microplastics into the soil. The solution? Terracotta, ceramic, or coir pots are fantastic alternatives. They’re natural, long-lasting, and add a charm to your garden. 

Plastic trowel and spades are likely to crack or snap eventually, leaving behind little bits of plastic in your beds. Wood and metal tools, on the other hand, are built to last. 

Bagged fertilizers, pesticides, and herbicides often come packaged in plastic and some even contain microplastics themselves. These can leave behind chemical residues and contribute to long-term soil contamination. Composting, on the other hand, cuts down on waste, and skips the plastic packaging altogether. 

And finally, if you’re picking up seeds for your garden, you might be surprised how many seed packets are sealed in plastic. An easy fix? Find a local seed swap or gardening club. Not only will you avoid the plastic, but you’ll also walk away with a few new friends and gardening tips.

9) Cars – Just Plastic on Wheels 

Tires are arguably the most underestimated plastic polluters. Every time a car drives down the road, its tires shed microscopic particles that swirl into the air or wash into waterways. Tire wear alone is responsible for an astonishing 28% of all microplastics entering the environment globally. That’s more than any other single source! 

These particles are small enough to drift through the air for weeks or be swept into storm drains where they eventually pollute rivers, lakes, and oceans. One chemical in particular, 6PPD which is added to tires to slow degradation, reacts with ozone in the air and transforms into the incredibly toxic 6PPD-quinone (6PPD-Q). This compound is lethal to salmon, killing off entire populations in one storm. 

Then there’s the materials that make up your car’s seats, doors, bumpers, wires, and panels are almost all plastic-based.All of these plastics can shed microplastics through wear and tear—sunlight, heat, friction, and time cause small pieces to break off and release into the air or get carried away in rain runoff. Even road markings and paints contain thermoplastics that chip away and add to the microplastic load in our environment.

What can you do? Driving less is the most effective way to reduce tire wear and microplastic release: walking, biking, or taking public transport when possible does more than save gas. If your car is a necessity, avoid hard braking and quick acceleration, which accelerate tire breakdown. 

10) Plastic In Feminine Products 

Let’s talk about something that deserves way more attention than it gets: what’s really in our period products.  Recent studies have uncovered something pretty unsettling: many feminine hygiene products contain harmful plastic chemicals, including a group called PFAS; short for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances. These are the notorious “forever chemicals” because once they’re in your body and the environment, they stick around for a long time.

Testing revealed that 48% of pads, 22% of tampons, and a whopping 65% of period underwear contained PFAS. These chemicals have been linked to hormonal disruptions, fertility issues, immune system suppression, and even certain cancers. 

Look for brands that are free of synthetic fragrances, dyes, and chlorine bleaching. Go for organic cotton tampons and pads when possible, or explore certified organic period underwear. 

11) Cleaning Products That Pollute

The laundry room is a hotspot for plastic pollution. Those colorful laundry pods you toss in so casually? They’re wrapped in something called PVA, or polyvinyl alcohol, a plastic-like film that dissolves in water but doesn’t fully biodegrade. In 2021 alone, over 34 million pounds of this stuff made its way into the environment in the U.S., and most wastewater treatment plants aren’t equipped to break it down. That means about 3/4 of the PVA particles end up floating through rivers, soaking into soil, and swirling around in the oceans.

And those trendy little scent beads that keep your laundry smelling like a summer breeze? They’re basically tiny plastic capsules made from synthetic polymers that slowly release fragrance, and chemicals, into the environment and our bodies. 

Dishwasher pods have the same PVA problem. Even most plastic sponges and scrubbers shed microplastic fibers as they break down with use. But it gets worse; a full dishwasher cycle with typical plastic items (think storage containers, plastic plates, cups) can release up to 920,000 microplastic and nanoplastic particles into the wastewater in just one wash. 

Choose powder or liquid detergents in cardboard packaging, or plastic-free detergent. Say goodbye to scent beads and hello to natural options like a few drops of essential oil. In the kitchen, ditch the plastic scrubbers and go for biodegradable sponges, natural loofahs, or coconut fiber brushes. 

12) Tiny Humans, Big Plastic Problem

Infants are exposed to 10 times more microplastics than adults, mostly from crawling, mouthing objects, and contact with house dust. The health impacts are alarming. Exposure to plastics and their additives has been linked to  ADHD, autism, early onset puberty, and some cancers.

Plastic baby bottles are light-weight and convenient; no wonder they make up more than 80% of the baby bottle market around the world. These bottles can release millions of microplastic particles daily, especially when formula is heated or shaken inside them. 

The waterproof outer shell of diapers, designed to keep messes in, are usually made from petroleum-based plastic or treated with plastic-based chemicals. Wet wipes, often marketed as flushable, are made with polyester or polypropylene;  which clog sewers, contributing to ‘fatbergs’ and releasing microplastics into aquatic ecosystems. Instead, use natural fibers to keep their tooshies safe. 

Playgrounds are often hidden hotspots of plastic pollution. Studies have shown that their surfaces can shed up to 1.2 million crumb rubber particles into the surrounding area, releasing not only microplastics but also toxic chemicals. Children playing on these surfaces may inadvertently ingest 0.07–0.08 grams of rubber crumb per day. 

Once you start spotting the ways plastic shows up in your life, it’s kind of impossible to unsee it. The good news? Every small switch you make adds up.

As UN Global Plastic Treaty Negotiations, INC-5.2 is underway, now more than ever we need to emphasize how plastics hurt us, and that we want them out of our lives. You can start by signing our Global Plastics Treaty Petition and make your voice heard. Please sign and demand meaningful action on plastic production. Let’s end the plastic crisis.

The post The Dirty Dozen: How Plastic Has Infected Everything appeared first on Earth Day.

Microplastics are small plastic particles, no bigger than a grain of rice, that shed off everything made of plastics; from plastic packaging to plastic bags to plastic kitchenware clothes made of polyester which is a plastic textile.  Plastic is made from oil with toxic chemicals used to give it the specific qualities plastic products need.

Once these microplastics shed they get into our water supply, our oceans, our homes, our air, and even into the food chain itself. New research is increasingly finding associations between ingesting and inhaling these microplastics and the toxic chemicals that leach from them with a variety of serious health issues. Ranging from respiratory and cardiovascular problems to neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s. 

What researchers are discovering is that microplastics and their additive chemicals potentially impact human health in a variety of ways. Similar to the game, Operation, your organs are almost as full of plastics as the game. So, here’s a rundown of some of the most compelling research to date on how specific parts of our body are impacted.

The Brains of Mice and Men

Research, just published in the journal Nature Medicine, analyzed samples of some of the major organs, including the brain, from 28 people who died in 2016 and then compared them to the brains (and major organs) of people 24 who died just 8 years later  in 2024. What they found was that the concentration of microplastic in the brain tissue was higher and had increased since 2016. 

The microplastics discovered were nano shards of plastic – 75% of which were made of polyethylene, which is most commonly used to make plastic bags and food packaging. 

Another study in September 2024, studied the brains of 15 deceased individuals. Scientists examined the olfactory bulbs of human brains which were analyzed through micro-Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. Microplastics were found in the olfactory bulbs of 8 individuals, primarily in the form of microparticles and fibers. In this research polypropylene was the most frequently identified polymer.

This all backs up earlier research from an August 2023 in a study by the George and Anne Ryan Institute for Neuroscience, University of Rhode Island. This revealed that microplastics could cross the blood brain barrier of mice potentially contributing to neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s. 

Their research indicated that exposure to microplastics led to a decrease in glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP), a protein essential for supporting various brain cell processes, like communication. A reduction in GFAP levels has been associated with early stages of neurodegenerative diseases as well as depression. 

Microplastic exposure has also been linked to behavioral changes and alterations in immune markers within the brain. These findings suggest that microplastics may lead to cognitive impairments and even behavioral issues. 

The Lungs

It’s not just the brain – microplastics have been detected in human lungs too, raising concerns about their impact on respiratory health. Research published in January of 2024 by the University of Technology, Sydney, found that inhaling tiny plastic particles can lead to inflammation, oxidative stress, and impaired lung function. 

The ultra-fine size of microplastics allows them to travel deep into the respiratory tract, potentially reaching the alveoli—where the critical process of gas exchange takes place. This opens the door to long-term health risks, including chronic respiratory conditions like asthma and COPD.

Additionally, prolonged exposure has been shown to increase inflammation in lung tissues, attracting inflammatory cells and triggering macrophage aggregation—markers of severe systemic inflammation. This heightened immune response could damage lung tissue over time, making individuals more vulnerable to respiratory illnesses.

Beyond direct lung damage, there’s the looming concern of microplastics translocating to other organs via the bloodstream. This could have systemic consequences, affecting vital systems like the cardiovascular and immune systems. The potential for microplastics to act as vectors for harmful chemicals or pathogens only adds to the alarm.

The Heart

Our brains and lungs are not alone. Microplastics have been found in human hearts too. In a groundbreaking study published in the New England Journal of Medicine, scientists analyzed the carotid plaques of 257 patients who had undergone surgery to remove fatty deposits from their neck arteries. The researchers found microplastics in 58% of the plaques, suggesting that these particles may be embedded within the arterial walls.

Over an average follow-up period of 34 months, participants whose plaques contained microplastics were found to be 4.5 times more likely to experience a heart attack compared to those without microplastic contamination. This discovery raises significant concerns about the potential role of microplastics in the development of atherosclerosis—a condition where fatty deposits accumulate in the arteries, restricting blood flow and increasing the likelihood of severe cardiovascular events.

Moreover, the presence of microplastics in arterial plaques has also been correlated with an elevated risk of stroke, further highlighting their potential role in the pathophysiology of vascular disease. These findings suggest that microplastics may not only contribute to the physical buildup of fatty deposits but may also exacerbate inflammation and oxidative stress within the vascular system, driving the progression of atherosclerosis.

The growing body of evidence implicating microplastics in cardiovascular health underscores the urgent need for further research to determine the mechanisms by which these particles influence arterial plaque formation and to understand the broader implications for public health.

The Gut

Microplastics represent a significant and often overlooked threat to gut health too, impacting the gastrointestinal system through a range of biological mechanisms. Numerous studies have shown that microplastic exposure can alter the gut microbiome, with a growing body of evidence indicating that these tiny particles disrupt the delicate balance of gut bacteria. 

A 2021 study published in Environmental International found that microplastic exposure can significantly shift the gut microbiota composition in both animal models and humans, promoting dysbiosis—a state of microbial imbalance between beneficial and harmful bacteria. This shift towards dysbiosis has been implicated in the pathogenesis of several gastrointestinal disorders, including inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) like Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis, as well as metabolic disorders like obesity and diabetes.

Further compounding the risk, microplastics can directly interact with the intestinal lining. Research published in Nature Nanotechnology in 2020 demonstrated that microplastics can physically damage intestinal cells, leading to increased intestinal permeability, commonly referred to as “leaky gut”. This disruption of the gut barrier function allows harmful substances, such as toxins, pathogens, and undigested food particles, to leak into the bloodstream, triggering systemic inflammation and immune responses. These breaches in the gut lining have been linked to a host of health issues, ranging from autoimmune diseases to chronic inflammatory conditions.

Additionally, studies have shown that microplastics themselves can act as vectors for toxic substances, including endocrine-disrupting chemicals and heavy metals, further exacerbating their harmful effects on gut health, and contributing to systemic toxicity. A 2022 study published in Science of the Total Environment found that microplastics can adsorb harmful chemicals from the environment, such as pesticides and industrial pollutants, which are then transferred into the digestive system upon ingestion. 

This bioaccumulation can have profound long-term health consequences, including liver and kidney damage, as well as disrupting hormonal balance.

Reproduction

Microplastics are emerging as a significant human health hazard with the potential to disrupt various organs and systems inside the human body including the reproductive system. 

The endocrine-disrupting properties of microplastics are of particular concern. These tiny particles have been shown to interfere with the body’s hormonal regulation, leading to a cascade of effects that could contribute to reproductive toxicity. Microplastics, particularly those in the form of nano-sized particles, can mimic or block the action of natural hormones, disrupting the delicate balance necessary for normal reproductive function. 

This phenomenon is primarily attributed to the adsorption of endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) onto the surface of microplastics, such as bisphenol A (BPA), phthalates, and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), which are known to interfere with estrogen, testosterone, and thyroid hormones.

A study by Peng et al. in Environmental Pollution highlighted how microplastics can act as vectors for these EDCs, promoting a range of adverse effects on both male and female reproductive health. 

The study found that exposure to microplastics resulted in the disruption of estrogen receptor signaling pathways, a key mechanism involved in regulating ovarian and testicular function. In particular, the study pointed to the potential for microplastics to increase the risk of conditions such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) in women and decreased testosterone levels in men, both of which are linked to fertility issues. Moreover, the ability of microplastics to cross biological barriers, including the blood-testis and blood-ovary barriers, makes them a particularly insidious threat to reproductive health. 

In terms of direct impact on fertility, a study led by Itishree Dubey from the Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology at the National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research further elucidated the effects of microplastics on reproductive function. This study, published in 2021 in Toxicology and Applied Pharmacology, found that microplastic exposure led to compromised sperm motility, decreased sperm count, and lower testosterone levels in male rats (Dubey et al., 2021). 

These findings suggest that microplastics might hinder male fertility by directly affecting sperm function and hormone production. Additionally, the study indicated that female rats exposed to microplastics experienced disruptions in estrous cycles and ovarian dysfunction, which are linked to infertility in mammals.

Other research has pointed to more systemic effects of microplastics on reproductive organs. In a study published in Nature Communications, found that microplastic particles accumulated in the ovaries and testes of rats, causing inflammation and oxidative stress, which are known to impair reproductive function This suggests that microplastics not only disrupt hormonal regulation but also directly damage reproductive tissues, leading to long-term reproductive health consequences.

The growing presence of microplastics in the human body raises serious health concerns, Which is why EARTHDAY.ORG is working to end plastic production. We invite you to join our fight by signing the Global Plastics Treaty petition to call on the United Nations and governments around the world to commit to a 60% reduction in all fossil fuel-based plastic production by 2040. Want to get outside and make an immediate impact? Use our Global Cleanup Map to find a cleanup near you and pick the plastic up.

This article is available for republishing on your website, newsletter, magazine, newspaper, or blog. The accompanying imagery is also cleared for use. Please ensure that the author’s name and their affiliation with EARTHDAY.ORG are credited. Kindly inform us if you republish so we can acknowledge, tag, or repost your content. You may notify us via email at davies@earthday.org or fielder@earthday.org.

The post Real Life Operation: How Plastics Live in Your Body appeared first on Earth Day.

Imagine you are in a major city, like New York or Los Angeles, and you want to see what the stars look like from where you are. You go outside, look up at the sky, and to your disappointment, nothing is there. 

This actually isn’t that uncommon. As more Americans move to urban towns and cities, it is becoming more and more customary to look up at the night sky and see absolutely nothing. In fact, according to a study conducted in 2021, 99% of the people living in the United States and Europe look up to see starless skies, and even further, 80% of Americans are prevented from seeing the Milky Way. 

This isn’t just your average cloudy night: the impacts of light pollution are being felt by many throughout the world. But, while we’re struggling to see the stars in the galaxy, other critters are struggling to survive.

What is light pollution? 

Light pollution is the misdirected or excessive use of artificial light caused by industrial areas, such as large cities or towns. Specific sources include exterior and interior building lighting, advertising and billboards, commercial properties, office buildings, factories, streetlights, and sporting venues, such as stadiums. In fact, the International Dark Sky Association concluded that of the 30% of lighting that is used strictly for outdoor purposes, nearly all of it is wasted.  

There are several types of light pollution, including skyglow, glare, light trespass, and clutter. Each of these four types of light pollution can have serious consequences and may be disorienting for those who experience it. 

1. Skyglow is the combination of reflected light and unshielded light up into the sky, causing it to “glow.” 
2. Glare is one of the more well-known forms of light pollution, which typically occurs with unshielded lighting when driving at night.
3. Light trespass is exactly that: unwanted light. A common example of light trespass would be light peeking through a window when you are trying to sleep. 
4. Finally, clutter is the grouping of bright and excessive light sources causing confusion. 

Impact on Ecosystems

Chances are, most of us have experienced at least one of these forms of light pollution at one point or another. Research has suggested that the increase of artificial light has led to negative impacts on human health, including fluctuated melatonin levels, hunger, hormone production, body temperature, sleep cycle disturbances, and mood disorders. In fact, studies show that even a small amount of exposure to dim light — equivalent to that produced by bedside lamps — can lead to a 50% reduction in melatonin levels in the human body. 

While light pollution has significant impacts on human health and wellness, the influence is much more dire on our ecosystems. Many animals are dependent on the daily cycle of light and dark to maintain life-sustaining practices, including sleep habits, when to wake, when to migrate, when to feed, and when to reproduce. Human development, specifically the increased usage of artificial light, disrupts the balance of these cycles and throws wildlife out of step with nature’s rhythms. Animals that use the night to migrate or hunt, such as sea turtles and birds, are particularly vulnerable.

Many birds use the night to hunt for food, but increased artificial lighting of landscapes and cities can disorient them, causing them to wander off course. Those disoriented by lights collide with human structures like buildings, get hit by cars, and even become more vulnerable to starvation and predation. In fact, millions of birds per year die colliding with buildings that are illuminated with artificial lighting. And, researchers at Indiana University found that in addition to problems with hunting and migration, the reproductive cycles of birds exposed to artificial light at night are thrown off. 

Sea turtles are another animal dependent on the night for survival. While they live in the ocean, sea turtle eggs are laid on the beach, and they typically hatch at night. In the early hours of the morning, the young turtles use the horizon to navigate their way to the sea. But, artificial light is confusing the turtles, causing them to set out in different directions, ultimately exposing themselves to other dangers. In Florida, millions of turtle hatchlings die every year due to the confusion caused by artificial lighting. 

What can we do? 

According to researchers, there is little awareness regarding light pollution, which is a main obstacle we must address. A study revealed that artificial outdoor lighting grew approximately 2.2% each year between 2012 and 2016, while already lit areas brightened at a relatively similar rate. 

EARTHDAY.ORG’s Invest in our Planet campaign encourages communities and governments to fight the climate crisis to ensure a habitable planet for future generations to come — part of that mission involves learning about underlying problems that may not be well recognized. With America’s growing artificial light usage continuing to impact our ecosystems, it is imperative that we educate ourselves on the topic and its influence on ourselves as well as our ecosystems.

The post Light Pollution: Everyone Sees It, But Nobody Knows About It appeared first on Earth Day.