Microplastics, a Perilous Predicament: A Wake-Up Call from a New Documentary

More than five decades ago, the movie “The Graduate” famously touted the future of plastics. Indeed, plastics have revolutionized modern life, providing us with a plethora of affordable and durable goods.

However, the dark side of this convenience is now glaringly apparent: plastics are virtually indestructible, with very little of them being recycled. The U.N. estimates that the vast majority of the 400 million metric tons of plastic produced annually will persist on Earth in some form, breaking down into minuscule particles through natural processes.

The term “microplastics” was coined about 20 years ago by marine biologist Richard Thompson, who discovered these tiny plastic fragments accumulating in ocean habitats. Since then, microplastics have been found in diverse environments, from remote mountain peaks to the ocean floor. Alarmingly, these particles have also been discovered in various living organisms, including seafood, and even inside the human body, from our lungs and blood to our feces and breast milk.

A recent documentary, “Plastic People,” directed by Ben Addelman and Ziya Tong, delves into the burgeoning scientific research on microplastics. The film highlights a troubling finding: microplastic pollution poses potential health risks that are becoming increasingly difficult to ignore. Researchers from around the world, including Turkey, have found microplastics in unexpected places, such as inside the human brain and deep within cancerous brain tumors. These revelations underscore the urgent need to address the health and environmental impacts of plastic pollution.

While scientific evidence on the effects of microplastics on humans is still emerging, preliminary studies suggest a cause for concern. For instance, a study published in the journal Environmental Science & Technology found significantly higher levels of microplastics in the feces of patients with inflammatory bowel disease compared to those without the disease. Another study documented the presence of microplastics in the placentas of new mothers, raising questions about potential impacts on fetal development.

A study published in the New England Journal of Medicine reported that individuals with microplastics in their cardiovascular systems were at higher risk for complications from heart attacks and strokes. The researchers found that microplastics had infiltrated the fatty plaque lining blood vessels, making the plaque more prone to dislodging and causing cardiovascular events.

Researchers are still investigating how microplastics affect the body, but theories include inflammation caused by the presence of foreign particles and the release of toxic compounds from plastics. Studies have shown that immune cells exposed to microplastics die more quickly, and certain plastics, such as polystyrene, can be especially toxic.

Despite the grim outlook, the documentary’s creators hope to inspire change, much like Rachel Carson’s book “Silent Spring” did in the 1960s, leading to a ban on DDT. They urge individuals to reduce their use of single-use plastics, which account for 40% of global plastic production, and call on political leaders to take regulatory action. With the upcoming U.N. gathering in Ottawa focusing on a treaty proposal to curb plastic pollution, there is hope for meaningful change. As Ziya Tong aptly puts it, “We just have to use less plastic.”