Seemingly everywhere, microplastics are here to stay, polluting our bodies and the environment.

Microplastics are produced during the manufacture, usage, and recycling process of plastic products. Once they enter the human body, they can cause various kinds of illnesses. Microplastics can cause respiratory and digestive problems, disrupt sleep, contribute to obesity, and increase the risk of Type 2 diabetes and even cancer.

Microplastics are plastic fragments in the form of blocks, filaments, or spheres less than 5 mm in diameter or length. They usually enter the body by way of inhalation, ingestion, and skin contact. Generally, fiber-shaped, and smaller microplastics are more toxic.

Studies have shown that ingestion of microplastics can cause damage to the intestinal wall, leading to inflammation, oxidative stress, and changes in the gut microbiota, which can lead to autoimmune diseases, cancer, and neurodegenerative diseases. Inhaling microplastics can cause irritation and damage to the respiratory system and may lead to respiratory diseases such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and asthma.