It’s worrying to read studies that show just how far microplastics can travel within our bodies.
Scientists have found evidence of tiny plastic particles in almost every part of the human body, including the lungs, testicles, placenta and even breast milk. It’s known that we can ingest and inhale microplastics, which can in some cases cause allergic reactions and inflammation, and increase the risk of certain diseases.
But is it possible to absorb plastic through the skin? When washed, synthetic clothing can shed microplastics – small pieces of plastic less than 5mm (0.2in) long – which is a concern for the health of our oceans.
Whether there’s a risk when there’s contact between our skin and plastic fibres is being investigated. Our skin was designed to protect us from the outside world and, in most instances, it’s an effective barrier.
While there has been evidence of microplastics under the skin, it’s generally thought that they can’t get through the skin’s outermost layer, the stratum corneum. But to say this with complete certainty, more research is needed.
Microplastics do get caught in hair follicles and wrinkles, but they shouldn’t be able to access the rest of the body through the blood. There is evidence that chemical additives that exist alongside microplastics in some products can be absorbed by the skin, however.
One study found that some flame retardants, which are added to furniture and foam products as well as electronic devices, can cross the skin barrier to the bloodstream in low levels: less than 0.1 per cent of the amount the skin was exposed to.
This article is an answer to the question (asked by Nathalie Read, London) 'Can you really absorb plastic and chemicals through your skin?'
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