Not Only Irritation, Microplastic Pollution In Rainwater Can Also Attack Vital Organs

Discussion at DKI Jakarta City Hall, Friday, October 24. (Diah-VOI)

JAKARTA - Microplastic threats in the air and rainwater cannot be taken lightly. Researcher of the National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN) Muhammad Reza Cordova revealed that microplastic particles have the ability to absorb other substances in the vicinity.

It is this trait that makes microplastics have the potential to bring various pollutants, even microorganisms and viruses, into the human body through the air inhaled.

"Microplastics in the air have characteristics such as sponge bearing, easy to absorb other substances in the vicinity. This means that microplastic particles can become a medium for carrying other pollutants, even microorganisms or viruses, which are then inhaled by humans," said Reza in a discussion at DKI Jakarta City Hall, Friday, October 24.

According to him, the impact of microplastics on the human body is still in the research stage. However, a number of findings show indications that these particles can cause irritation or inflammation, especially in the respiratory tract.

"If the size is smaller than 50 microns, even the size of a dust particle or bacteria, then microplastics have the potential to enter the circulation of blood, and from there it can lead to vital organs such as the heart," he said.

Reza emphasized that BRIN is still conducting in-depth studies regarding the risk of microplastics on human health. The research was also communicated with a number of government agencies such as the Center for Control of Pollution and Environmental Damage (PPPKI) and the DKI Jakarta Environmental Service (DLH).

"We at BRIN are still researching the extent of this risk. We have also communicated several studies with government institutions such as PPPKI and DKI Jakarta DLH," he said.

Continuing, the Head of the P2P Environmental Health Section of the DKI Jakarta Health Office, Rahmat Aji Pramono, said that microplastics in the air must be a serious concern because the effect on health does not appear directly, but in the long term.

"Regarding the findings of microplastics in the air, of course this needs to be a common concern because there is an effect on human health," said Rahmat.

Rahmat explained that inhaled microplastics can cause mild respiratory problems such as influenza, to chronic diseases such as asthma and lung disorders.

"When microplastics enter through the respiratory tract, these small particles can cause inflammation or minor injuries along the channel. In the long term, these conditions can develop into chronic respiratory problems," he said.

Rahmat added that the same danger occurs when microplastics enter the digestive system through contaminated food or drinks.

"In the digestive tract, microplastics can cause slow but persistent inflammation. Health effects from microplastics do not occur directly, but in the long term, it can even take years to decades," he explained.

If the microplastic size is very small, these particles are able to penetrate the blood vessels and flow into vital organs such as the heart and brain. From there, microplastics have the potential to cause wounds on blood vessels, even in vital organs such as the heart or brain, which can ultimately trigger a heart attack or stroke," said Rahmat.

Furthermore, Rahmat explained that most microplastics did not only come from outside the room, but also from inside the house. Clothing fiber, household dust, and disposable plastic materials are the main sources of exposure to urban communities daily.

According to research results, most microplastics in the house come from fibered clothing and household dust. So, it is important for us to regularly clean the furniture and floor of the house, maintain air circulation, and reduce the use of single-use plastic materials," he said.