• Microplastics, pervasive in food, water, and air, may increase cancer risks by carrying toxic substances that disrupt cellular functions and trigger inflammation, DNA damage, and immune dysfunction.
• Infants face significantly higher exposure to microplastics, primarily through plastic feeding bottles, which release millions of particles per liter of liquid.
• Studies link microplastics to cancers like leukemia, lymphoma, prostate, colorectal, and lung cancer, with evidence of their presence in tumor tissues and bone marrow.
• Airborne microplastics from tire wear and plastic degradation contribute to chronic lung inflammation, a precursor to lung cancer, especially in industrial settings.
• Reducing plastic use, avoiding hot liquids in plastic containers, and opting for alternatives like glass bottles can help minimize exposure to microplastics.

In a world increasingly saturated with plastic, a growing body of research is sounding the alarm about the potential health risks posed by microplastics—tiny particles that infiltrate our bodies through food, water, and even the air we breathe.

Studies now suggest that these pervasive pollutants may increase the risk of several cancers, including leukemia, lymphoma, prostate cancer, colorectal cancer, and lung cancer. While microplastics themselves may or may not be directly carcinogenic, they act as carriers for toxic substances, disrupting cellular functions and creating conditions ripe for tumor formation.

The problem begins early in life, with infants exposed to microplastics at levels thousands of times higher than adults, primarily through plastic feeding bottles. As these particles accumulate in the bloodstream and organs, they may trigger inflammation, DNA damage, and immune dysfunction—key factors in cancer development.

How microplastics fuel cancer risks

Microplastics, defined as particles smaller than 5 millimeters, and their even tinier counterparts, nanoplastics, are ubiquitous in the environment. They enter the body through ingestion, inhalation, and skin absorption, accumulating in vital organs such as the lungs, liver, and brain. Once inside, these particles can act as carriers for harmful chemicals like polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), heavy metals, and endocrine disruptors such as bisphenol A (BPA).

The chemical properties of microplastics enable them to transport toxic substances into the body. These substances can disrupt normal cellular functions, leading to genetic mutations, abnormal cell proliferation, and immune system dysfunction—all of which contribute to cancer development.

Specific cancer risks

Research has linked microplastic exposure to a range of cancers. For example, a 2024 study published in eBioMedicine found microplastics in prostate tumor tissues, with polystyrene—a common plastic used in food packaging—exclusively present in cancerous tissues. Similarly, studies suggest that microplastics in bone marrow may disrupt blood cell production, increasing the risk of leukemia and lymphoma.

Colorectal cancer, the third most common cancer globally, has also been tied to microplastic exposure. A 2023 study in Cancers (Basel) found that microplastics can damage the intestinal mucus layer, allowing harmful bacteria and toxins to penetrate the gut lining and trigger inflammation. Additionally, microplastics may carry bacteria like E. coli strains that produce genotoxins, further increasing cancer risk.

Lung cancer is another concern, particularly for individuals in industries involving plastic manufacturing or recycling. Airborne microplastics, released during tire wear and plastic degradation, can cause chronic lung inflammation, a known precursor to cancer.

Exposure to microplastics begins in infancy, with plastic feeding bottles releasing millions of particles per liter of liquid, especially when exposed to high temperatures. A 2020 study in Nature Food found that polypropylene bottles can release up to 16.2 million microplastic particles per liter during formula preparation.

Bottled water is another significant source. A 2024 study in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences detected an average of 240,000 plastic particles per liter in popular bottled water brands, with 90% being nanoplastics. These particles, often composed of PET and nylon, can accumulate in the body over time.

Experts recommend minimizing plastic use to reduce exposure. For example, parents can choose glass feeding bottles. It’s also important to avoid storing hot liquids in plastic containers and avoiding plastic packaging for foods and drinks. Simple lifestyle changes, such as using reusable cloth bags and avoiding single-use plastics, can also make a difference.

As microplastics continue to permeate our environment, their potential health impacts—particularly their role in cancer development—cannot be ignored. While more research is needed to establish direct causality, the evidence linking microplastic exposure to increased cancer risks is mounting.

 

Sources for this article include:

TheEpochTimes.com

UCSF.edu

VeryWellHealth.com