What Could Humans Look Like After Prolonged Microplastic Exposure?

Searches for microplastics have reached an all-time high as research continues to uncover the damaging effects they have on our bodies. Microplastics have been linked to everything from diabetes to infertility. Studies have found particles contaminating various body parts, including our brains, kidneys, and even human placentas.

These tiny bits of plastic waste are seemingly everywhere, and prolonged exposure could affect humans in the future. As the issue grows, plastic waste experts at BusinessWaste.co.uk have produced images predicting how the average human may look after low, mid, and high levels of exposure to microplastics.

Microplastics are tiny particles of plastic less than five millimetres in length that are produced as products break down over time. These particles are becoming more prevalent in our environment, accumulating in rivers, oceans, and soil. Microplastics are not biodegradable, meaning they persist in the environment for hundreds or even thousands of years.

Microplastics are regularly consumed or inhaled by humans, with some research suggesting we even absorb microplastics through our skin. Research into the effects of microplastics on the human body is still ongoing, but studies continue to find extremely damaging consequences.

Only last month research was released showing that the level of microplastics was rising in human brains, with an increase of roughly 50 percent between 2016 and 2024.

The scale of exposure to microplastics over time can have a different impact on someone depending on whether it’s low, mid, or high exposure.

A high level of exposure may be experienced by someone who has prolonged and consistent exposure to microplastics. It could be through their work environment, due to poor quality drinking water, and the repeated use of synthetic fabrics in the home and clothing.

These levels of exposure could present as:

• Chronic skin inflammation, rashes, or eczema-like conditions.
• More intense signs of premature aging.
• Blue or purplish skin tones on lips/fingertips (due to reduced lung function).
• Slower reflexes, memory problems, and mental confusion due to possible microplastics in the brain. Potential hand tremors or fine motor difficulties.
• Unexplained weight gain or loss, irregular menstrual cycles.
• Hair thinning or loss due to endocrine disruption.
• Skin discoloration, hard lumps, or lesions that don’t heal properly could indicate cellular damage.

Mid levels of exposure to microplastics may be found in someone who regularly consumes processed food, eats a lot of seafood, and regularly uses synthetic fabrics. This person might live in an area with high levels of air pollution, leading to increased exposure.

These levels of exposure could present as:

• Increased levels of skin irritation, alongside signs of premature ageing such as fine lines and wrinkles due to increased oxidative stress.
• Red and irritated eyes from exposure to microplastics in air pollution.
• Mild breathing difficulties such as coughing and wheezing.
• Hormonal disruption from microplastic chemicals, which leads to weight fluctuation and further digestive discomfort.
• More persistent fatigue and brain fog.

Low-level exposure to microplastics may be found in someone exposed through food, drink, and their general environment. At this level, most symptoms would be internal and may not be as visible.

These levels of exposure could present as:

• Mild skin changes with some evidence of dryness, redness and irritation caused by microplastics interacting with endocrine disruptors.
• Microplastics could lead to gut microbiome changes, which may cause bloating, stomach discomfort, and irregular digestion.
• Mild fatigue caused by low-level inflammation.

These are a few ways to try and reduce microplastic exposure if you’re concerned about how they may affect your health:

• Avoid single-use plastics where possible, especially in food and drink items. Ditch processed foods and opt for organic, whole foods where possible. If you can, grow your own food.
• Filter any water and avoid single-use plastic water bottles or drinks containers.
• Minimise your use of synthetic textiles such as nylon and polyester in the home and in your clothing. Try to choose natural fabrics instead.
• Carefully consider cosmetics, making sure to check labels for any hidden plastics. Choose naturally formulated products where possible.
• Reduce your seafood consumption, or opt for local and sustainable produce not in plastic packaging.
• Reduce your plastic use when cooking. Switch to wooden spoons and glass chopping boards and be careful of other plastic utensils and reheating food in plastic containers.

Mark Hall, plastic waste expert at BusinessWaste.co.uk, comments:  “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. 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.

“Unfortunately, microplastics are abundant in our environment, contaminating everything from the air we breathe to the food we eat. While you can reduce your exposure to certain products, we’ll never fully face the problem until we begin to tackle plastic waste as a larger issue, and look to reduce our reliance on the material.”