Plastic pollution is no longer just an environmental issue but a growing public health crisis. Microplastics have infiltrated every aspect of life, from the water we drink to the food we consume. These tiny plastic particles are not only contaminating the environment but also posing serious threats to human health. According to Rajeev Aacharya, a member of the Indian Water Works Association in Mumbai and a dedicated environmentalist, the alarming rise of plastic waste, especially microplastics, is putting human health at unprecedented risk. He points out that plastic particles have entered our food chain, water sources, and even the air we breathe, making their harmful effects impossible to ignore.
United Nations Proposed a New Treaty
Awareness is increasing at the global level to solve this problem. The United Nations proposed a new treaty in 2024 to reduce plastic pollution, aiming to cut down on the production and use of plastic. Multiple conferences have been organised to address plastic pollution, including a significant one in Ottawa, Canada in April 2024, where discussions focused on a global treaty to combat this issue. Another important conference is planned for November 2024 in Busan, South Korea, with the goal of legally implementing restrictions on plastic pollution, targeting all stages from production to disposal.
Microplastics are Becoming a New Challenge for Health
“Small plastic particles, known as 'microplastics,' have spread in excessive quantities in the environment. These particles, which are smaller than 5 millimeters, enter the human body through food, water, and air. Recent research shows that an average person may consume around 5 grams of plastic particles every week — roughly the weight of a credit card. An international study conducted by scientists at Daegu Gyeongbuk Institute of Science and Technology in South Korea and Capital Medical University in China demonstrated that microplastics can cause inflammation in human cells,” said Rajeev Aacharya.
He further added that the study revealed that microplastics affected by UV light and other natural factors can lead to neurodegeneration and brain inflammation. This research highlights the harmful effects of microplastics on the brain and heart, linking them to inflammation, oxidative stress, and cell death, which can trigger autoimmune disorders.
Attempts to Develop Therapy for Autoimmune Diseases
In April 2024, scientists at the Mayo Clinic in the USA developed immunotherapy for autoimmune diseases, and their research was published in Nature Biomedical Engineering. Additionally, a 2024 study from the University of California, San Diego, found that microplastic particles can enter the body and activate autoimmune diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis and lupus.
Published in reputable journals including Nature Biomedical Engineering, JAMA Network Open, and ScienceDaily, this research concluded that microplastics can cause inflammation and an abnormal immune response, increasing the risk of autoimmune diseases. Moreover, exposure to microplastics can heighten the chances of developing heart disease, cancer, and respiratory disorders.
What is the Solution?
Experts emphasise the urgent need to take action to mitigate the impact of plastic pollution. They propose the following solutions to address this growing crisis:
1. Avoid using single-use plastics.
2. Use traditional alternatives like earthen pots, glass, or pitchers instead of plastic products.
3. Opt for plastics that are easily recyclable.
4. Encourage innovations like the bamboo bottles used in Sikkim, the first Indian state to adopt this alternative to plastic water bottles.
5. Use cloth bags instead of plastic bags and sheets.
6. Refrain from dumping plastic waste into rivers, ponds, and other water bodies.
7. Support organisations and companies that minimise plastic usage and advocate for reducing plastic pollution.