We are currently living in the Plasticene Era—a period where plastic is so widespread that it leaves a mark in fossil records. Since the 1950s, plastic has become a dominant, man-made material that does not integrate naturally into the Earth’s ecological cycles. Unlike organic matter such as bones or skin, plastics are synthetic and persist in the environment across their entire lifecycle during manufacturing, use, disposal, and even as they slowly degrade. A single plastic bag, for example, can take up to 1,000 years to decompose in a landfill, gradually releasing microplastics and harmful chemicals that disrupt vital microorganisms in the soil.
Single use plastics: Plastic bags, plastic bottles, food packaging, and even COVID facemasks contain synthetic materials that don’t biodegrade. Instead, they undergo a process of photodegradation, where the sun’s UV rays break down molecules into smaller particles. Plastic bags, used for an average of 12 minutes, can take 1000 years to photodegrade. These particles break down into microplastics that are washed into our environment.
Microplastics are tiny, man-made solid plastic particles ranging in size from 1 micrometer to 5 millimeters, at times invisible with necked eyes. They are water-insoluble and originate either from primary sources—where they are intentionally manufactured small (e.g., microbeads in cosmetics)—or secondary sources, where they result from the breakdown of larger plastic debris. Microbeads are used in many health and beauty products which pass unchanged through waterways into the ocean.
These particles are now pervasive across the environment—found in soil, air, rivers, oceans, and even everyday items like food and tap water. Alarmingly, microplastics have also been detected inside the human body, including in the blood, lungs, and placentas.
Microplastics pose a growing threat to marine life, as they are often mistaken for food and ingested, leading to physical harm and exposure to toxins. Microplastics also absorb and transport other environmental pollutants, amplifying ecological risks.
Although the full impact on human health is still under investigation, early research suggests potential risks such as allergic reactions, cell damage, and other long-term effects. The Endocrine Society, a global community of doctors and scientists studying the impacts of endocrine-related issues, says "many common plastics contain and leach hazardous chemicals, including endocrine disrupting chemicals, that are harmful to human health. These chemicals disturb the body’s hormone systems and can cause diabetes, reproductive disorders, neurological impairments of developing fetuses and children, cancer, and death."
World Wide Fund for Nature sponsored a study in 2019 with the University of Newcastle in Australia, the findings of which were the first to quantify how much plastic human might be ingesting: ~5 grams/week, ~21 grams/month, or just over ~250 grams/year from 2,000 microplastics. Later, WWF International stated “these findings must serve as a wake-up call to governments. Not only are plastics polluting our oceans and waterways and killing marine life - it’s in all of us and we can’t escape consuming plastics. Global action is urgent and essential to tackling this crisis.”
Plastics and their additives pose serious environmental and health risks. They are persistent, can absorb and transport toxins, and often contain harmful chemicals like endocrine-disrupting compounds, EDCs, that interfere with hormone systems, potentially causing issues from developmental disorders to cancer. Wildlife, especially birds and marine animals, often die from ingesting plastic, mistaking it for food.
The scale of plastic pollution may seem overwhelming, but it is precisely why systemic change is imperative. Though some argue that plastic use is necessary, its widespread presence in ecosystems and food chains—now even in the cattle and human diet—demands urgent action.
While recycling helps, it is not a sufficient solution due to the limitations of plastic recyclability. The real solution lies in reducing plastic use, shifting to safer alternatives, and adopting stricter assessments of chemical safety before widespread use.
To reduce exposure and mitigate risks, humans are encouraged to minimize plastic use, opt for reusable alternatives, filter drinking water, and adopt more sustainable lifestyles. These actions, alongside broader environmental efforts, can help limit the presence and impact of microplastics.
Microplastics pose a serious global threat, but efforts to remove them are gaining momentum. Innovative methods like bacteria-based biofilms and electrolytic treatments show promise, though scalability and funding remain challenges. While removal technologies develop, tackling the root cause through reduced plastic production and improved recycling is essential for long-term impact.
Microplastics, though often invisible to the naked eye, pose a significant and growing threat to the environment. Despite their size, their presence in ecosystems—particularly oceans—is alarming and has sparked global concern. This issue is compounded by the relentless pace of plastic production, which continues to rise, indicating that the harmful effects of microplastics may persist for centuries.
While definitive research into the long-term health impacts of microplastics on humans is still ongoing, there is broad agreement that their increasing presence in natural environments is detrimental. The accumulation of microplastics not only affects marine life but also enter the human food chain, raising serious questions about health consequences.
“Global action is urgent and essential to tackling this crisis. Not only are plastics polluting our oceans and waterways and killing marine life—it’s in all of us and we can’t escape consuming plastics.” Together, we can make a difference. Every small action counts—start today by making conscious choices and inspiring others to join the fight against plastic pollution.
Follow Sushil Kumar Sharma, Founder CEO, Sustaineco, NTPC Ltd🏆 for more insights, updates, and actionable steps on environmental protection and sustainability. Stay informed, get inspired, and be part of the solution!
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