The Microplastics Crisis: Are We Breathing in Plastic at Work?

Table of Content (TOC):

• Introduction
• How are Microplastics Sneaking into the Workplace?
• Are Microplastics a Silent  Workplace Hazard? 
  • Health Implications of Occupational Microplastic Exposure
  • Global Legislative Actions Against Microplastic Pollution
• What Can Employers and Workers Do?
• The Bottom Line

Introduction

Imagine you are at work, going about your day, but with every breath, you might be inhaling invisible plastic particles. Sounds alarming, right? Microplastics – tiny plastic fragments less than 5 millimetres in size – are not only polluting our oceans, but also our workplaces and our bodies. 

How are Microplastics Sneaking into the Workplaces?

Workers in industries like textiles manufacturing, plastic production, construction, and waste management are at higher risk. The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health ( NIOSH, USA) reports that micro plastics can enter the air when -

• Plastic materials are cut, heated, or processed
• Synthetic fibers shed during fabric production
• Recycling or waste sorting release fine plastic dust

Recent studies suggest that the spread of microplastics may be even more vast than we know:

• Recent studies have shed light on the presence of microplastics in human lung tissues, highlighting potential health implications.  In 2022, researchers at Castle Hill Hospitals in East Yorkshire, UK, analyzed lung tissue samples from 13 patients undergoing surgery. Microplastics were detected in 11 of these samples, marking the first time such particles were identified in the lungs of living individuals. The most commonly found microplastics included polypropylene (used in plastic packaging) and PET (used in bottles), with particles discovered in both upper and lower regions of the lungs.
• Another significant study conducted in Brazil examined lung tissues from 20 individuals and found microplastics in 13 cases. These findings underscore the widespread nature of microplastics pollution and its infiltration into human tissues. 

While these studies confirm the presence of microplastics in human lungs, the long-term health effects remain under investigation. Laboratory tests have shown that microplastics can cause damage to human cells, including allergic reactions and cell death. However, comprehensive epidemiological studies are needed to fully understand the implications of microplastic inhalation on human health. 

Are Microplastics a Silent  Workplace Hazard? 

Emerging research indicates that microplastics may pose significant health risks, particularly in occupational settings. Workers in industries such as waste management, those involved in construction, shipping, and recycling, are potentially exposed to higher levels of microplastics compared to the general population. 

Health Implications of Occupational Microplastic Exposure

Long term inhalation of microplastics has been associated with various health issues, including: 

• Respiratory Diseases: Inhaled microplastics can deposit in the respiratory tract, leading to inflammation and respiratory conditions. A study highlighted that workers exposed to plastic dust have an increased risk of respiratory diseases and lung cancer. 
• Cardiovascular Issues: Some studies have drawn associations between microplastics and poor health outcomes, including cardiovascular diseases. 

Global Legislative Actions Against Microplastic Pollution

Governments worldwide are increasingly implementing legislation to address the environmental, and health risks posed by microplastics. Below are notable acts and amendments from various regions:

United States:

• Microbead-free Waters Act of 2015: This federal law prohibits the manufacturing and distribution of rinse-off cosmetics containing plastic microbeads, effectively banning their use in personal care products. 
• AB 2214 (2023-2024): Mandates the Ocean Protection Council to develop and implement strategies to reduce microplastic pollution, reflecting the state's proactive stance on environmental protection. 
• Microplastics Monitoring in Drinking Water: The State Water Resources Control Board adopted a definition for microplastics in drinking water and established standardized testing and reporting methodologies to monitor their presence. 
• Break Free From Plastic Pollution Act of 2023: Introduced in the Senate, this bill amends the Solid Waste Disposal Act to reduce the production and use of certain single-use plastic products and packaging, emphasizing producer responsibility in the life cycle of consumer products. 

European Union:

• REACH Restriction on Microplastics (2023): The European Chemical Agency (ECHA) implemented a restriction under the Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restrictation of Chemicals (REACH) regulation, targeting synthetic polymer microparticles. This measure is expected to prevent the release of 500,000 tonnes of microplastics over 20 years. 

All these legislative efforts reflect a growing global commitment to mitigating the impact of microplastics on environmental and human health. 

What Can Employers and Workers Do?

Do we rely on government and legislative bodies alone to tackle the microplastic crisis, or can we do something about it, too? Ultimately, this is a mammoth task that requires collaborative efforts from all parties. Employers, on one hand, can:

• Install high-efficiency ventilation and air filtration systems
• Regularly monitor indoor air quality
• Provide protective equipment like masks and gloves

Workers, on the other hand, must:

• Wear certified respirators (not just cloth masks!)
• Clean workstations frequently to reduce plastic dust accumulation
• Stay informed! Follow updates from NIOSH, WHO, and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)

The Bottom Line

While research is ongoing, one thing is clear that microplastics have invaded our workplaces and could be impacting worker health right now. Should industries be doing more to protect employees? Let’s start the conversation. Drop your thoughts.