Incredibly small, invisible invasive nanoplastics, which enter our bodies through food or by inhalation, are posing a serious threat to our health. A recent research highlights how a 1 liter water bottle contains more than 2 lakh nanoplastic fragments that can enter the bloodstream, causing changes in gut microbiota, inflammation and even cognitive decline. Can become the reason. Researchers at Columbia University used a new microscopic technique to detect these particles of 1 micrometer in length, which were 70 times smaller than the size of a hair, and the findings only prove that we have these little baddies in our food. How underestimated the presence is. , cosmetics, clothing, environment and others. (Also Read | One bottle of water contains 240,000 plastic pieces: New study)
One microplastic particle can break into billions of nanoplastic particles, making it easier for them to enter the bloodstream, various organs, the brain and even the placenta of the unborn baby. As the threat of plastic continues to grow, there is a need to study more comprehensively the effects of microplastics and nanoplastics in the human body.
Our immune system may perceive microplastics or nanoplastics as invaders and given that they are not broken down in the body and continue to accumulate, they can cause chronic inflammation. If persistent, this inflammation can affect the heart, kidneys and even lead to diabetes. Being indestructible, these plastic nano particles will continue to accumulate in the body, causing health problems that are difficult to predict at this time.
What are nanoplastics and how are they threatening our health
Nanoplastics are extremely small particles and their size averages 1,000th the width of a human hair and they can move through the digestive tract or lung tissue into the bloodstream, and release potentially harmful synthetic chemicals throughout the body and cells. Can distribute in. These synthetic chemicals are essentially the same basic components used in making plastics such as bisphenols, phthalates, flame retardants, per- and polyfluorinated substances, or PFAS, and heavy metals.
“Upon disposal, plastic waste is exposed to biological, chemical and environmental elements, and will break down into massive amounts of microplastics (measuring < 5 mm) and nanoplastics (< 0.1 micrometres). A single microplastic particle will break down into billions of nanoplastics, “says Dr. Tushar Tayal, Lead Consultant-Internal Medicine, CK Birla Hospital, Gurugram.
The average liter of bottled water contains about 240,000 detectable plastic pieces, researchers wrote in a study published in the Journal of the National Academy of Sciences.
“Many studies have shown that micro- and nanoplastics enter the human food chain in a variety of ways. Animals consume them in their natural environments, contamination during food production processes, and/or leaching from plastic packaging of food and drinks. Through, says Dr. Tayal.
There are three major routes for microplastics and nanoplastics to enter the human body: inhalation, ingestion, and skin contact. Dr. Tayal says, once nanoplastics enter the human body, they can affect human health in the following ways.
1. Nanoplastics can penetrate the gut epithelium and interact with various molecules such as proteins, lipids, carbohydrates, nucleic acids, ions and water and eventually get surrounded by proteins called nanoplastic corona which spreads the nanoplastics throughout the body. Is.
2. In the intestine, it can cause inflammation in the liver and reduce liver energy levels.
3. Also in the intestine it causes changes in the gut microbiota and changes in the intestinal barrier where less mucus is secreted.
4. Nanoplastics can be inhaled, and they pass through the lung barrier into the blood and can damage lung epithelial cells and lead to the development of chronic lung diseases such as COPD.
5. Nanoplastics can also cross the placental barrier in the growing fetus and affect wild-type development.
How nanoplastics are affecting our health
Dr Shruti Sharma, MD, Department of Internal Medicine and Diabetology, Yatharth Super Specialty Hospital, shares with us 6 ways nanoplastics are affecting our bodies and minds.
Nanoplastics are microscopic particles, produced by the breakdown of larger plastic waste, that are now ubiquitous in our environment. Their ability to infiltrate human physiology, due to their small size, has inspired a significant journey of education to unravel their subtle health effects.
1. Gastrointestinal disturbances
Nanoplastics, being incredibly small, can penetrate the lining of our gut. It causes problems by messing with our gut’s protective barrier, potentially allowing toxins and harmful substances to enter more easily. This disruption can lead to problems like inflammatory bowel disease and changes in the balance of good and bad bacteria in our gut, which can affect our metabolism and immune system.
2. Oxidative stress and genotoxicity
Because of their small size, nanoplastics have a large surface area. This makes them really good at generating reactive oxygen species, which are like little troublemakers that can damage our cells, proteins, and even our DNA. This oxidative stress can potentially cause mutations, creating an environment favorable for cancer development.
3. Neurotoxicity and cognitive decline
Evidence is emerging that nanoplastics can cross the blood-brain barrier and make their way into our brains. This is worrisome because it can lead to problems with our nervous system, potentially causing cognitive decline and even contributing to the development of neurodegenerative diseases.
4. Irregular immune system
Our immune system, the guardian of our health, may be confused by nanoplastics. It mistakes them for invaders and goes into overdrive, leading to chronic inflammation. This persistent inflammation is linked to various chronic diseases, including heart problems and diabetes.
5. Reproductive and developmental toxicity
There is growing concern about nanoplastics messing with our hormones. This interference may affect fetal development and reproductive health. More research is needed to fully understand how big a threat this may be and what mechanisms are at play.
6. Bioaccumulation and long-term effects
Nanoplastics are like little hitchhikers in our bodies; They do not break down easily and can accumulate over time. This long-term presence raises concerns about potentially irreversible damage and the emergence of unexpected health problems in the future. Understanding these aspects is important to manage the impact of nanoplastics on our health.
