Experts have generated images to show how low to high levels of microplastic exposure can affect our overall health—and the results are startling.
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration defines a microplastic as a piece of plastic that is less than five millimetres long.
Unfortunately, we encounter microplastics everywhere. From our favourite cosmetic products to cleaning holy grails, rubbish, seafood, table salt and more.
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As research is still ongoing into how ingesting microplastics can affect us, not a huge amount is known at this stage.
However, there are early studies that show these small particles can disrupt ecosystems, cause inflammation and even contribute to the development of certain diseases.
In a bid to make the danger of microplastics more widely understood, a company has used Artificial Intelligence (AI) to generate images of what people look like after being exposed to different levels of microplastics.
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“While much of the research into the effects of microplastics on humans is in the early stages, it’s clear to see there are many worrying signs of how this pollution might affect us,” said Mark Hall, a plastic waste expert and founding director of Business Waste.
“The imagery we have generated is based on the findings of these studies and shows alarming results, but we hope the images will make people sit up and pay attention to the larger issue.”
How does low-level microplastic exposure impact us?
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According to the AI-generated pictures, even a low-level of microplastic exposure - ingested through food and drinks - can wreak havoc.
They can reportedly lead to dry skin, redness and irritation, according to The New York Post.
Side-effects of a small amount of plastic in your bloodstream may also alter your gut microbiome, causing bloating, digestive issues and stomach discomfort.
It’s also reported that you may start to experience tiredness and fatigue but at relatively low doses.
Medium-level microplastic exposure can cause a host of negative symptoms
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However, if you’re someone who regularly eats processed foods, chows down on fish, wears synthetic fabrics or lives in a high-pollution area, then you could start to experience skin irritation and show signs of premature ageing.
These common symptoms relate to mid-level exposure to microplastics.
Having a lot of plastic in your system can also cause you to experience brain fog, disrupt your hormones and see you developing breathing difficulties, according to Business Waste.
High-level microplastic exposure is extremely dangerous to our health
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It is possible to move beyond mid-level microplastic exposure and into the danger zone.
These people are considered to have a high level of plastic in their bloodstream and often show more intense signs of premature ageing, as well as rashes, eczema-like conditions and even skin discolouration.
Researchers believe being exposed to such a high level of microplastics could also severely impact your brain, lead to potentially slower reflexes, and cause chaos with your menstrual cycle.
Expert reveals ways to lower you microplastic exposure
Tracey Woodruff, a University of California C San Francisco Professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences claims that one way to stop so many microplastics from getting into your body is to stop microwaving in plastic.
“Heat makes plastic release harmful chemicals like BPA so I always microwave in ceramic or glass – that’s a really easy one,” she writes.
She also recommends not eating too much red meat, and instead reach for more grains, fruits and vegetables, and not drinking bottled water.
Topics: Advice, Health, Life, Science, Skincare, Food and Drink
Ella Scott