Microplastics and nanoplastics: hidden threats to climate and health

Ten years ago, microplastics (particles smaller than 5 mm) were mostly discussed as an ocean problem. Today, scientists know more: tiny pieces of plastic float in the air, get into rain, snow, and even human blood. They can also affect climate processes and the functioning of our bodies.

🌍 How microplastics affect the climate

When plastic particles rise into the atmosphere, they act as condensation nuclei—that is, they become the “base” for the formation of water droplets or ice crystals. Research confirms that:

• micro- and nanoplastics can participate in the formation of clouds and precipitation;
• in remote regions where the air is cleaner, their impact becomes more noticeable;
• they change the energy balance in the atmosphere by affecting the albedo of clouds (their ability to reflect sunlight).

Although the effect is not yet as strong as that of greenhouse gases, scientists are already considering microplastics as a new climate-active factor. This means that they can affect the distribution of rain and snow, and therefore agriculture and water resources. —

_

🧬 What happens in the human body

People inhale and swallow microplastics every day: with air, water, and food. Nanoplastics are especially dangerous – very small particles (less than 200 nanometers) that can overcome the body’s natural barriers:

• penetrate cell membranes;
• enter the bloodstream and even the brain;
• interact with proteins and DNA.

Scientific research shows several key implications:

• oxidative stress (cells receive an excess of free radicals, which damage DNA and proteins);
• inflammatory processes (particles can “confuse” the immune system, creating chronic irritation);
• toxicity to cells (some types of nanoplastics reduce cell viability, causing their death).

Most of this data comes from animal and in vitro (test tube) experiments, but traces of microplastics have already been found in human blood, lungs and placenta, meaning the problem affects everyone.

🚫 What to do about this?

1. Reduce sources of plastic: abandon disposable tableware and bags, support recycling.
2. Washing machine filters: synthetic fabrics are one of the biggest suppliers of microplastics.
3. Monitoring and research: Additional scientific data is needed to understand the extent of health risks.
4. Development of alternatives: biodegradable materials and new packaging technologies.

📌 Conclusion

Microplastics are no longer just a problem for the oceans. They affect climate processes, cloud formation and precipitation, and can also pose a risk to human health by entering cells and triggering harmful reactions.

Science has not yet provided definitive answers, but one thing is clear: the less plastic in the environment, the safer it is for us and for the planet.