Microplastics — tiny but destructive. Invisible to the naked eye, but felt in every part of the planet — including in our bodies. This invisible form of pollution finds its way into food, air, water and human organs. But its impact doesn't stop with our health – microplastics carry also significant carbon footprint, which contributes to global warming. This article addresses both aspects: health risks of microplastics and theirs climate impact.

What are microplastics?

Microplastics are tiny plastic particles smaller than 5 mm. They are divided into:

• Primary microplastics – e.g. microbeads in cosmetics or abrasives.
• Secondary microplastics – they are created by the breakdown of larger plastic products due to UV radiation, mechanical friction and chemical degradation.

Microplastics are released from countless sources:

• Tire wear (largest source in the air).
• Washing synthetic clothing (fibers end up in rivers and seas).
• Decomposition of plastic waste in landfills or in the wild.
• Food packaging linings, tea bags or plastic bottles.

Scientists identified them in rainwater, salt flower border, human blood, lungs, liver, and even in the placenta.

Microplastics and human health

1. Reproductive health

A 2024 systematic review (Woodruff et al.) showed a link between microplastics and reduced sperm quality. Plastics may act as endocrine disruptors — they mimic hormones like estrogen, which disrupts hormonal balance and threatens fertility.

2. Inflammation and the immune system

Microscopic plastic particles can activate the immune system and evoke chronic inflammation, which is associated with an increased risk of cancer, cardiovascular disease, and autoimmune disorders.

3. Brain and nervous system

Animal studies suggest that microplastics can to cross the blood-brain barrier, which could be linked to neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's disease or Parkinson's disease. Scientific evidence in humans is still lacking, but research is ongoing.

4. Respiratory and digestive tract

Inhaled microplastics can damage lung tissue. When ingested, they can damage the gut microbiota, cause mucosal inflammation, and worsen digestive disorders.

Microplastics and their carbon footprint

Microplastics are tiny, but they are created from larger plastic products, whose production, distribution and disposal have a significant impact on the climate.

1. Plastic production = CO₂ emissions

• Plastics are made from oil and natural gas. The petrochemical industry itself is one of the largest industrial producers of emissions.
• Every ton of plastic produced creates 1.7 to 3.5 tons of CO₂.
• More than 400 million tons of plastic are produced annually – more than a third of which is for single-use products.

2. Decomposition and combustion of plastics

• In landfills, plastics decompose slowly and can release methane and ethylene – strong greenhouse gases.
• Burning plastics releases huge amounts of CO₂ and toxic substances.

3. Circulation of microplastics in the air

Recent research has shown that microplastics spread through the atmosphere in a similar way to fine dust particles (PM2.5), and can absorb and release heat, thereby subtly influencing local microclimates.

How to reduce exposure to microplastics?

While systemic change is necessary, individuals can take effective steps:

• Avoid single-use plastics – use reusable containers, bags, cutlery.
• Do not heat food in plastic – prefer glass or ceramics.
• Buy food without packaging – the less packaged goods, the fewer chemicals.
• Filter your drinking water – a quality filter can capture some of the microplastics.
• Wash less and at a lower temperature – reduce the release of synthetic fibers.
• Choose clothes made from natural materials – cotton, linen, wool instead of polyester or acrylic.
• Minimize dust in the home – microplastics bind to dust particles.

Towards solutions

Microplastics are not just an ecological problem – they are a mirror civilization's dependence on plastics and fossil fuelsTheir impact on health and climate requires:

• Stricter regulation of the production and use of plastics.
• Promoting recycling and developing biodegradable alternatives.
• Educating the public about the environmental and health consequences of plastic culture.

Microplastics surround us – we breathe them in, we eat them, we absorb them. They are not just harmless pieces of plastic – they are carriers of chemicals, inflammation, risks and emissions. Their fight against our health and the planet begins in every water bottle, every food package, every synthetic sweatshirt. Reducing their amount is also a step towards protecting our future. JRi