Microplastics pose a greater problem than just harming the environment in the Philippines. These tiny plastic fragments, often invisible to the naked eye, are now found in the air, water, and food Filipinos consume daily. Understanding their effects on human health is essential to address this growing issue.
This article investigates how microplastics enter the bodies, their potential health effects, and measures to mitigate the risks in Filipinos.
How Do Microplastics Enter the Bodies of Filipinos?
Most microplastics in the Philippines end up in water bodies such as lakes, rivers, streams, canals, and oceans. Due to their small size and varied colors, many marine species are attracted to and mistakenly consume microplastics as food. This causes what we call the bioaccumulation of microplastics in marine organisms.
A 2020 study revealed that rabbitfish, a commonly consumed fish in the Philippines, had significant amounts of microplastics in their digestive systems. Further research in 2023 showed that 97% of milkfish sampled from fish farms in Butuan Bay had ingested microplastics. Milkfish is one of the most heavily consumed fish in the Philippines, and these findings highlight how seafood becomes a direct route for microplastics to enter the human body.
Seafood consumption is a major source of protein for Filipinos, accounting for roughly 50% of their dietary protein intake. This heavy reliance on seafood increases the risk of ingesting microplastics through food.
Aside from seafood, microplastics have also been detected in the air. A 2023 study on Metro Manila’s atmosphere identified microplastics in 16 cities, with Muntinlupa and Mandaluyong recording the highest levels. These microplastics, primarily made of polyester from clothing fabrics, pose a serious concern. Researchers estimate that the average adult walking the streets of Metro Manila may unknowingly inhale between 5 to 8 microplastics per minute.
Source: Romarate et. al.
How do Microplastics Affect the Health of Filipinos?
Exposure to microplastics through food and air raises serious concerns about their impact on human health. While researchers recommend further studies to fully understand how microplastics affect the health of Filipinos, existing international research on similar cases can offer valuable insights to connect the dots.
Once inside the body, microplastics can travel through the bloodstream and accumulate in various organs. A 2024 study published in the New England Journal of Medicine linked the presence of microplastics in blood vessels to a 4.5 times higher likelihood of heart attacks, strokes, or mortality. Although microplastics are not a direct cause of these conditions, they significantly increase the risk. This is particularly concerning given that cardiovascular diseases rank among the top causes of death in the Philippines.
Microplastics have also been detected in human placentas. A 2021 study suggested that their presence could disrupt normal cell processes in the placenta, potentially leading to preeclampsia or impaired fetal growth. Preeclampsia is a leading cause of maternal deaths in the Philippines, contributing to 30% of such fatalities.
Additionally, microplastics are associated with various other health risks, including cytotoxicity (cell damage), hypersensitivity reactions, immune system disruptions, and hemolysis (destruction of red blood cells). These effects solidify the urgency of addressing microplastic exposure in the Philippines.
What Measures Are Needed to Help Filipinos Stay Safe?
A comprehensive approach is necessary to mitigate the health risks associated with microplastics. Here are some critical measures:
- Promote Safer Seafood Practices: Raising awareness about microplastic contamination in seafood is essential. Educating the public to source seafood from reputable suppliers and advocating for clean fish farming practices can minimize the risks. Consumers should also be informed about the types of seafood more likely to contain microplastics, enabling them to make better food choices.
- Improve Air Quality: Urban areas with high air pollution levels, like Metro Manila, must address airborne microplastic contamination. Encouraging the use of masks in polluted environments can reduce exposure. On a broader scale, measures such as promoting green spaces and reducing vehicle emissions are vital for improving air quality and respiratory health.
- Strengthen Environmental Policies: Government action is critical in tackling plastic pollution. Introducing bans on single-use plastics, implementing extended producer responsibility schemes, and enforcing stricter waste management practices can help curb microplastic contamination. Public education campaigns about reducing plastic waste and adopting sustainable alternatives should also be a priority.
- Invest in Research and Collaboration: Collaboration among scientists, policymakers, and industries is essential to understanding and addressing the health effects of microplastics. Interdisciplinary research can provide valuable insights, while partnerships can drive innovative solutions to reduce microplastic exposure.
A Healthier Future for the Philippines
Protecting Filipino health from microplastics requires clear and collective action. To reduce exposure, safer seafood practices, cleaner air, stronger environmental policies, and better waste management are essential.
Collaboration among government, industries, and communities, along with investments in research and innovation, will drive progress. By addressing the root causes and raising awareness, the Philippines can protect people’s health and ensure a cleaner, more sustainable future.