Microplastics and Their Alarming Impact

GS3 – Environment

Context

Recent studies (IE | TH) have found microplastics in critical regions of the human cardiovascular system—such as the pericardium, myocardium, and major arteries—suggesting their infiltration into deep tissues. These particles contribute to oxidative stress, inflammation, and atherosclerosis, potentially causing heart attacks and strokes.

What Are Microplastics?

Microplastics are tiny plastic fragments (less than 5mm) that either:

• Originate as primary microplastics, manufactured for commercial products like cosmetics and detergents, or
• Form as secondary microplastics from the degradation of larger plastic waste, such as bottles, bags, and packaging.

Common Types: PET, PP, PVC, PE, and PS—all non-biodegradable and capable of persisting for centuries in the environment.

Impacts of Microplastics

1. On the Environment

• They disrupt soil health, contaminate water sources, and interfere with nutrient cycling, destabilizing terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems.
• These disruptions ripple through entire food webs, leading to ecological imbalances.

2. On Marine Life

• Consumed by organisms ranging from zooplankton to marine mammals.
• Cause physical damage (e.g., digestive tract blockage) and chemical harm (through toxic contaminants).
• Accumulate in tissues and bio-magnify through food chains.

3. On Agriculture

• Contaminated irrigation water leads to microplastics entering the food chain via crops, raising food safety concerns.

4. On Human Health

• Ingestion and inhalation via water, air, and food expose humans to microplastics, now even detected in blood samples.
• Linked to genetic alterations, endocrine dysfunctions, and cardiovascular damage.
• New findings indicate cardiotoxicity—affecting heart muscles, vessels, and contributing to:
  • Heart attacks
  • Heart failure
  • Arrhythmias
  • Ischemic strokes

Endocrine-Disrupting Chemicals (EDCs)

What Are EDCs?

EDCs are toxic substances in plastics that interfere with hormonal functions. These include:

• Bisphenol A (BPA) and BPS – found in food-grade plastics and receipts.
• Phthalates (e.g., DEHP, DBP) – used in cosmetics, toys, medical devices.
• PFAS – common in non-stick cookware and food packaging.

Health Consequences

• Mimic/block hormones like estrogen, testosterone, thyroid hormones.
• Lead to:
  • Hormonal imbalances
  • Reproductive issues
  • Increased cancer risk
  • Metabolic disorders like obesity and diabetes

Global and National Interventions

Global Initiatives

• UN Plastic Treaty (2022): INC established to negotiate a legally binding plastic pollution agreement. INC-5.2 (Aug 2025) is set to finalize this framework.
• Basel Convention Amendment: Regulates cross-border movement of plastic waste.

India’s Measures

• Ban on Single-Use Plastics: Implemented from July 1, 2022.
• 3R Strategy: Emphasis on Reduce, Reuse, Recycle.
• Promotion of biodegradable alternatives such as Polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs).
• Awareness Campaigns on health and environmental risks.

Way Forward

• Research and Monitoring: Launch long-term studies on microplastic cardiotoxicity in Indian populations. Implement national biomonitoring systems.
• Health Readiness: Integrate microplastic screening in diagnostics for high-risk cardiovascular patients.
• Promote Alternatives: Encourage use of glass, stainless steel, and BPA-free materials.
• Dietary Defense: Advocate for antioxidant-rich diets to counter oxidative damage.
• Regulatory Reinforcement: Enforce Plastic Waste Management Rules, incentivize eco-friendly products, and include microplastic risks in health policies.