The Impact Of Microplastics Can Trigger Problems In Implementation Systems, Reproduction To Breathing

Illustration of microplastic (Freepic)

JAKARTA - A study published in Environmental Science & Technology provides deep and worrying insight into the impact of microplastics on the health of the digestive, reproductive and respiratory system.

Reporting from the Health page on Tuesday, this study found a potential link between microplastic exposure through the air and several health problems, such as colon cancer, fertility disorders in both men and women, as well as a decrease in lung function that could increase the risk of lung cancer.

"We understand that microplastics have an impact on digestive, respiratory and reproductive systems," said Dr. Nicholas Chartres, senior researcher at Sydney University as well as lead author of the study, as quoted by ANTARA.

He explained that microplastics can enter the body through inhaled air, consumed seafood, or drinking water. Once entered, these particles can affect the respiratory tract and digestive system.

Although most studies were conducted on animals, especially mice, Chartres emphasized that these results are relevant to humans. The reason is that humans and animals experience similar types of microplastic exposure.

This large-scale review is still relatively new, but the results show that microplastics have a fairly broad health impact. This was confirmed by Dr. Mary Johnson, a researcher in the field of environmental health at Harvard TH Chan School of Public Health.

"Microplastics not only consist of plastic polymers, but also additional chemicals that can increase their toxicity," Johnson explained. However, he added that current research is still not progressing enough to provide definite conclusions regarding these hazard rates.

Microplastics itself are found in cosmetic products, packaging, tires, paints, synthetic fabrics, to food, drinks, and air. In fact, microplastics were also detected in the human body's tissue.

Johnson added that one of the common sources of microplastic in the air was smoke from forest fires. When fires destroyed modern houses, various plastic-based materials caught fire and spread microplastics into the atmosphere.

Dr. Chartres suggests several steps to reduce microplastic exposure. "Prohibiting the use of negligible plastic is one way. In addition, the government needs to use data from this study to create better regulations," he suggested.