Barbies have no choice but to live in a world full of plastic. Whether it’s their cars or their food, plastic is everywhere. However, more and more it seems like we face the same issue as these dolls. From the bags we use to the toys we played with as children, we rely heavily on plastic, which is not only harmful for not only the environment, but also our health.
Recent research in Sexual Medicine Journal IJIR revealed the presence of microplastics in human male genitalia. Scientists studied five cases, albeit a small sample size, due to fears that plastic in this body part can cause dysfunction or disease. Microplastics are dangerous because of their small size, which allows them to invade human cells. In tandem with an earlier study identifying microplastics in the human heart, this new research presents another effect of plastic pollution: its potential to harm our vascular organs.
Although there isn’t enough research on the presence of microplastics in vascular organs and their connection to certain conditions, the few cases scientists have discovered are cause for concern. We shouldn’t require more than five instances of microplastics found in human tissue to take action to minimize plastic usage. When scientists reveal their latest findings, especially about the environment, many doubt the facts. Regardless of the controversy, caution is the best way to maximize our health.
The United States is responsible for most of the world’s plastic waste. Many Americans use plastic items, like bags and utensils, once before throwing them away. The production of plastic waste impacts our environment and therefore contributes to certain health risks, specifically because plastic is not biodegradable. As scientists continue to research whether there is a link between microplastics in human organs and diseases, we should moderate the amount of plastic we use to prevent any potential disruptions to our immune systems.
We also must be more mindful when it comes to consuming foods and drinks packaged in plastics for this reason. One liter of bottled water, for example, contains around 240,000 plastic particles. Tap water usually contains less microplastics than bottled water, so alternating between the two could be a viable solution to minimize consumption of these tiny, dangerous particles.
There are different types of microplastics and different ways they enter our bodies — we consume some from toothpastes and others come from toys — that are all equally harmful since they might never fully disappear. Environmentally friendly solutions are sometimes costly, but there are more affordable options too. For instance, when you sit down for a morning cup of coffee or tea, avoid disposable cups since many of their linings are typically full of microplastics. Instead, experts recommend stainless steel or glassware. Not only does this help cut down on waste, but it also reduces exposure to an absurd amount of microplastics.
An even simpler step you can take is to clean your living space regularly. Because microplastics are so small, they often float around in the air we breathe. Dust particles trap them, and vacuuming can ensure housemates don’t inhale too many. Vacuums with HEPA filters are the most effective, and they range in price to include more affordable options.
It’s difficult to find products that do not have even a small concentration of microplastics, which can make discovering alternatives quite discouraging. The abundance of plastic pollution impacts the agricultural field too — causing microplastics to contaminate farm land. Not only do we have to be wary of plastic water bottles, but we should also be cautious of consuming certain plants like carrots, radishes and turnips since their roots are more likely to absorb these microplastics. Leafy vegetables, like lettuce, are safer since they contain less microplastic contamination.
Generally, however, items (particularly foods and drinks) packaged in plastics need better regulation. In 2022, at the United Nations Environment Assembly, the U.S. began developing regulations for international plastic pollution that would be complete in 2024. These regulations have yet to be implemented, with no indication of motion on this issue anytime soon. The fact that American negotiators seem to be stalling leads people to believe that a plastic pollution treaty will remain a point of conversation rather than an effective solution.
In the U.S., the Environmental Protection Agency controls plastic regulation. Since they aren’t transparent about the chemicals allowed in plastics, we need to try to minimize our reliance on them. Stay away from plastic bags at the grocery store when possible and ditch your bottled water for a glass of filtered tap water here and there. Barbie dolls may live in a world full of plastic, but we shouldn’t have to.
Giselle Sesi is an Opinion Columnist who writes about the overlap between politics and the human condition. She can be reached at gigisesi@umich.edu.
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