A Hidden Danger: The Impact of Microplastics on Our Health and Environment

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — A Hidden Danger: Microplastics in Our Lives

If you think about it, our daily lives are filled with little things that we often overlook. A coffee in the morning, lunch with friends, or even the air we breathe—these everyday experiences might pose more risks than we ever imagined. One such risk comes from microplastics, tiny particles that have now seeped into almost every aspect of our lives. According to recent studies, we may be inhaling, ingesting, or even absorbing thousands of these microplastics without realizing it.

What Are Microplastics?

At the University of Tennessee, Professor Mike McKinney has dedicated a lot of his time to studying these minuscule bits of plastic. He explains, “On a scale of one to ten, I’d say it’s about a nine” when discussing the seriousness of this issue. The Environment Protection Agency (EPA) has classified microplastics as a very high priority contaminant.

So, just how small are these microplastics? Defined as particles measuring 5 millimeters or less, they can come from various sources. “Think of PVC piping—it looks a lot like sugar,” notes graduate student Jake Carr. If you’ve ever wondered about the fibers in your clothes, they can break apart and end up as microplastics, too. “A single load of laundry can release about 100,000 microplastic particles into our rivers,” adds McKinney. This means your favorite sweater could be contributing to the problem!

Where Are Microplastics Found?

Microplastics can be found all around us. From the air we breathe to the water we drink, they’re part of our environment. McKinney warns, “They’re in the air, they’re in the water, they’re in the soil.” The concern isn’t just the presence of these particles; it’s what they could do to our health over time. Regular consumption, McKinney explains, may heighten our risk of developing conditions like cancer, blockages, or even strokes.

How Do We Combat This Problem?

So what can we do to tackle this sneaky issue? Lizzie Gaver from Keep Knoxville Beautiful suggests starting with three key steps: reduce, reuse, and recycle. “The best option is to reduce plastic use altogether,” she says. After all, if we can avoid plastic in the first place, we’re already doing ourselves a favor.

But what about recycling? Both McKinney and Gaver caution that this shouldn’t be our first line of defense against microplastics. Each time plastic is recycled, it degrades a bit more, resulting in lower quality materials. “Eventually it will end its life cycle,” Gaver points out. This won’t make a significant dent in the overall plastic problem.

Rethinking Our Relationship with Plastics

If we want to see real change, Professor McKinney urges society to rethink its dependency on plastics. He advocates looking for plant-based alternatives made from starches. The good news? We don’t have to give up the things we love; we just need to innovate.

The Path Forward

Microplastics won’t put your life in immediate danger, but their long-term effects are concerning. A striking fact from McKinney is that most organs in our bodies have already accumulated microplastics since early childhood. “We eat the equivalent of a credit card every couple of weeks,” he reveals, which makes it crucial for us to take action.

On the global stage, there’s movement to address the plastic pollution issue. In March 2022, 175 countries—including the U.S.—agreed to create a legally binding global treaty aimed at eliminating plastic pollution. Although the treaty is still in negotiations, discussions are set to resume in late November 2024.

In the meantime, it may be worth considering how our everyday choices contribute to the problem of microplastics. By taking small steps, we can collectively work towards a cleaner, healthier, and more sustainable future.