Kaileigh Kulp

Research Paper Draft #2

WRIT 101 10-21-21
Introduction – Commented [KK1]: Need correct formatting

As there is an increasing discussion surrounding the topic of climate change, many

civilians and scientists are starting to think about the effects of all kinds of materials on the
environment as well as our bodies. One of such materials in the hotseat lately has been
microplastics. Microplastics are defined as any piece of plastic from a product, in raw form or Commented [KK2]: Odd wording
degraded off of a larger piece that is smaller than 5mm in size. Plastics have only been Commented [KK3]: “off”
ubiquitous since approximately the 1960’s, and thus are fairly recent materials. Plastics can be
made of many different compositions and mixtures of chemicals, and are used in a variety of
applications. As these plastics breakdown it is difficult to say what the future will bring.
Environmental impacts and potential impacts to human health are both possibilities, and it is
very much still a topic of discussion in the scientific community. Because microplastics have not
been around for an extended amount of time, their impacts on the human body are still very
much debated within the scientific community. Some sources site studies that compare the
pollution that microplastics cause to particulate pollution similar to that call by vehicles and the
burning of fossil fuels. Others say that microplastics as they are in the environment now are not
present in levels high enough to be harmful to the human body. Studying the effects of
microplastics on both humans any environment has been extraordinarily difficult as
microplastics can take on many different shapes, forms, compositions, and sizes when they are
found in the world. Some studies have attempted to obtain microplastics from the environment Commented [KK4]: Might be redundant
to use to test on small rodents or human tissue cells well other studies create their own
microplastics in the lab. Such differences in testing and debate surrounding the toxicity of
plastics create a confusing dynamic for the general public to understand the issues surrounding
the effects of microplastics. THESIS SENTENCE HERE
There is a lot of debate around the extent and true effects of microplastics on human
health. Recently a study by the World Health Organization was released stating that, “the Commented [KK5]: Don’t need this sentence
presence of microplastics in air and drinking water is not likely to be absorbed by the human
body and thus does not pose any significant risk.” This claim is it generally bold statement that Commented [KK6]: Consider using a different quote
did not get received well by the scientific community. The study that the World Health
Organization did was not extensive in the ways the other researchers had wanted. Additionally,
this study seemed to focus more on the fact that the government had placed a ban
microplastics in 2015 with The Microbead Free Waters Act of 2015. The article by Brown even
said that it is “Common with governments to have a ban first ask questions later approach.”
Another study written by Lim confirmed that humans eat, drink, inhale, and come in contact
with microplastics on a daily basis. While this initially seems concerning, scientists in this article
seemed to have determined not the predicted levels of microplastics in the environment are
not currently such that would cause bodily harm. Commented [KK7]: This paragraph feels out of place and
needs to be expanded upon
Because there is so much confusion, there are a lot of contradictory viewpoints on the
subject. Several other studies have been done on microplastics specifically concerning babies
and developing fetuses. Scientists are becoming increasingly concerned because the levels of
microplastics found in baby feces is significantly higher then concentrations found in adult
feces. This is a recent finding that is particularly concerning as more scientists agree that
microplastics are potential endocrine disruptors. Researcher Kannan strongly believes that
microplastics affect early stages of development as children and babies are so vulnerable during
these stages of life. Another study even found evidence of microplastics inside of placentas. this Commented [KK8]: Really emphasize the importance
was obviously a concerning finding, and a difficult subject for scientists and mothers alike to here and QUOTE your source

understand as this means there are foreign contaminants extremely close to a developing baby.
Is this hypothesized that microplastics could be responsible for immune responses or
potentially release toxins, both of which would severely impact a potential pregnancy. For now,
researchers advise parents against using plastic milk bottles or at least not mixing the formula
hot in a plastic bottle, it is also recommended to sweep or vacuum floors that the baby crawls
or plays on frequently. Commented [KK9]: Good Ideas! Nice way to show how
this concern may be addressed right now
The pandemic changed a lot about our lives, but especially introduced a new level of
trash associated with personal protective equipment. PPE is no longer only for health care
professionals, it is now necessary for the general public to use masks, and gloves. As a result,
there has been a significant increase in the amount of trash on beaches around the globe.
Multiple research institutions such as OceansAsia have been studying the effects of the increase
in plastic waste. Other studies have confirmed the presence of high concentrations of
microplastics in the air in London. Microplastics have even been found in the Alps and the
Arctic. This increasing trend of concentration of microplastics suggests that there is not likely to
be any decrease in plastic usage with policy and convention as it is now. Researchers warn that
as microplastic concentrations increase both human and environmental health are likely to be
impacted further if they are not already. Microplastics in the ocean were studied before the
effects of microplastics on the human body. Microplastics have been confirmed to be present in
both fish meal and fish meant for human consumption. However researchers worry about the
lack of information around small micro plastics is there even harder to see since there even
smaller and require more expensive equipment to observe. Commented [KK10]: This whole pandemic effect could
definitely be expanded upon!
A study by Vethaak hypothesized that there are parallels between microplastic pollution
and particulate air pollution. He thus hypothesizes that it is possible microplastics could have
similar adverse effects as particulate pollution such as, being able to cross cell membranes,
cause information, cause oxidative stress, cell and DNA damage, neurotoxic effects, metabolic
effects, and an increased risk of cancer. Furthermore, it has been confirmed that microplastics
can serve as hosts for the growth of biofilms. Such biofilms have the potential to carry
pathogens and viruses, and some scientists even worry that microplastics cut thus serve as
vectors of possible spread of pathogens in viruses. It is still unclear whether or not microplastics
can be absorbed through biological barriers suggest skin or intestines. Overall more research
needs to be completed in order to completely understand extent and severity of the effects
microplastics have on the human body.
Microplastics are still valuable in their manufactured form as they are oftentimes used
in cleaning and personal care products. Because they have been banned alternatives need to be
found they have some similar material properties. This is only one way to mitigate possible risks
in the environment or the human body plastic waste. Extensive research has been done on
replacements and substitutes for microplastics that are biodegradable and non toxic. One such
found solution are chito-beads. This beats are made out of a hard tissue component found in Commented [KK11]: These beads
crustation waste. Because it is a natural compound it is safe and biodegradable. Chito-beads are
also fairly cheap to make, can be colored, and are quite sturdy. They even potentially absorb
toxic elements such as heavy metals. Coming up with alternate solutions is imperative until Commented [KK12]: Cite where all this info came from
scientists know more about the true effects of microplastics on the environment and the
human body. Microplastics in the ocean are also becoming a prominent issue and it will be
important to look at trends in data in order to predict and track the presence of microplastics in
the environment, as well as impacts on species in different places throughout the ocean. There
are three main contributing sources to microplastics in the ocean, and they are littering, landfill
runoffs, and losses at sea. As levels of microplastics in the ocean fluctuate, currents, salinity,
and temperature should be considered to track the impacts of the pollutants. It is estimated
that the amount of plastic waste from costal countries will increase 20 fold by 2025. Commented [KK13]: 20-fold

Microplastics as with all types of pollution are currently being examined under a fine
microscopically focused lens in the scientific community as the true effects and possible Commented [KK14]: Odd wording. What are you trying
implications of them yet to be evident. Microplastics are confirmed to be everywhere in the to say?

environment around us to the food we eat, water we drink, and air we breathe. With such
evidence there remains a concern surrounding the level at which microplastics are present and
weather or not they have reached a level where it would be harmful or toxic in some way. Commented [KK15]: whether
Current events have also impacted the ways which this issue has been discussed especially as
the use of PPE has been paramount throughout the pandemic; however, has also unfortunately
contributed significantly to plastic waste in the ocean. Others have looked at the parallels
between microplastics and particulate pollution and have speculated on possible repercussions
of similarities. Overall there is a lot of concern and confusion surrounding the topic and not
much of a consensus on the true effects on either the human body or the environment. For
many this is concerning as it may be an urgent issue, but there are unfortunately not many
answers yet. In time, as the scientific community has more time to research there will be more
information and appropriate action will be taken. Commented [KK16]: Refine this to more clearly state a
call to action and connect to thesis