Gaby
Excess weight, thinning hair, eczema—those are some of the changes linked to microplastic exposure.
These tiny plastic particles, measuring less than 5 millimeters, are not biodegradable. They can linger in the environment for hundreds, if not thousands, of years. They’ve also been found in everyday household items and even in the human body.
Researchers from BusinessWaste, a company that specializes in industrial waste disposal, have predicted what the average man and woman might look like after different levels of microplastic exposure. To do this, experts employed artificial intelligence to create these chilling images, as reported by the Daily Mail.
“While most studies on the impact of microplastics on humans are still in their early stages, there is a wealth of information about how plastic pollution can affect us,” said Mark Hall, a waste plastic expert and co-author of the study.
He said the images are based on alarming research findings. “But we hope these images will prompt people to think and pay attention to a larger issue. Unfortunately, microplastics are prevalent in the environment; they contaminate everything from the air we breathe to the food we eat,” Hall added.
To create the images, scientists analyzed three levels of microplastic exposure on the human body: low, medium, and high.
Low Level of Exposure
At this level, bodies are exposed to microplastics through food, beverages, and the surrounding environment. Most symptoms are internal and subtle.
These include minor skin changes (dryness, redness, and irritation), some gastrointestinal disturbances (bloating, stomach discomfort, and digestive issues), and mild fatigue.
Medium Level of Exposure
Regularly consuming processed foods and seafood, or frequently using synthetic fabrics, could put someone at a medium level of microplastic exposure.
This can show up as increased skin irritation, signs of premature aging, redness and inflammation of the eyes, mild breathing difficulties (coughing and wheezing), persistent fatigue, and mental fog. Chemicals released from microplastics can disrupt hormonal balance, leading to weight fluctuations and digestive disorders.
High Level of Exposure
A high level indicates prolonged or near-constant exposure to microplastics. Researchers say this can result from an unfavorable work environment, poor-quality drinking water, and frequent use of synthetic fabrics in daily life and clothing.
High exposure is characterized by chronic skin inflammation, rashes or eczema, and reduced lung function, which can give skin a bluish or purplish tint. This level of exposure is also associated with microplastics in the brain, causing slowed reflexes, memory issues, confusion, and hand tremors.
Other side effects include unexpected weight loss or gain and thinning hair.
How to Reduce Microplastic Exposure
Use glass or metal water bottles. Never reheat leftovers in plastic containers in the microwave.
Use wooden cutting boards. Avoid plastic utensils. Prefer loose-leaf tea over packaged tea.
Choose products with minimal or no plastic packaging. Bring reusable bags made from natural fabrics to the supermarket.
