Chasing Life: Can We Protect Ourselves from Microplastics?

Episode Release Date: December 6, 2024
Host/Author: CNN's Dr. Sanjay Gupta
Guest: Dr. Leonardo Trisande, Director of Environmental Pediatrics and Vice Chair for Pediatric Research at NYU School of Medicine

Introduction

In this compelling episode of Chasing Life, CNN’s chief medical correspondent Dr. Sanjay Gupta delves into the pervasive issue of microplastics and their impact on human health. Joining him is Dr. Leonardo Trisande, an expert in environmental pediatrics, who shares his extensive research on how these tiny plastic particles infiltrate our bodies and the potential long-term health consequences they pose. Together, they explore the sources of microplastics, their entry pathways into the human body, associated health risks, and actionable steps individuals can take to mitigate exposure.

Understanding Microplastics and Nanoplastics

Dr. Trisande opens the discussion by explaining the fundamental nature of plastics and their ubiquitous presence in everyday products. He describes microplastics as tiny fragments, approximately 400,000ths of an inch in size, that can permeate almost every organ in the body. Nanoplastics are even smaller, requiring microscopic examination to be seen.

Notable Quote:
"Plastic is much broader in its use than I had even imagined through my college and medical school training."
— Dr. Leonardo Trisande [03:03]

Sources and Pathways of Microplastic Exposure

The conversation highlights various ways microplastics enter the human body:

1. Ingestion: Consuming food and beverages stored in plastic containers.
2. Inhalation: Breathing in microplastic particles present in the air and household dust.
3. Cosmetics: Using personal care products that contain microplastics for exfoliation.

Dr. Trisande emphasizes that plastics break down not only through obvious means like heat exposure but also through subtle interactions such as acidity and physical wear, leading to the release of micro and nanoplastics into the environment and, subsequently, our bodies.

Notable Quote:
"Microplastics have now been found in the brain, the arteries, lungs, placenta, even in breast milk and your blood."
— Dr. Sanjay Gupta [02:09]

Health Implications of Microplastic Exposure

Dr. Trisande discusses the emerging research linking microplastics to various health issues:

• Cardiovascular Risks: A pivotal study published in the New England Journal of Medicine found a significant association between microplastic levels in the carotid artery and an increased risk of heart attack, stroke, and death.
  Quote:
  "The amount of microplastics in plaque was related steeply, a fourfold increase in the composite of heart attack, stroke and even death."
  — Dr. Leonardo Trisande [07:21]

• Endocrine Disruption: Chemicals associated with plastics, such as phthalates and bisphenols, interfere with hormonal systems, affecting everything from metabolism to reproductive health.
  Quote:
  "Endocrine disruptors... hack our hormones. Hormone, our signaling molecules are master conductors of body communication."
  — Dr. Leonardo Trisande [14:29]

• Developmental Effects: Exposure to these chemicals during pregnancy can impact fetal development, leading to cognitive deficits and increased risks of autism and ADHD in children.

• Organ Irritation: Microplastics can cause tissue irritation and inflammation, contributing to the progression of chronic diseases like kidney disease and heart disease.

Personal and Societal Solutions

Both Dr. Gupta and Dr. Trisande advocate for proactive measures to reduce plastic exposure:

1. Personal Actions:

   • Use Alternatives: Switch from single-use plastics to stainless steel or glass containers.
   • Mindful Usage: Avoid heating plastics in microwaves or dishwashers to prevent breakdown.
   • Product Choices: Select cosmetics and personal care products that are free from microplastics.

   Notable Quote:
   "If you must use plastic, there are things you should avoid doing. Machine dishwashing and microwaving plastic is at the top of the list."
   — Dr. Leonardo Trisande [20:26]

2. Systemic Changes:

   • Regulatory Actions: Support and advocate for stricter regulations on plastic production and waste management.
   • Corporate Responsibility: Encourage companies to develop and adopt safer, non-toxic materials.
   • Educational Initiatives: Integrate environmental medicine into medical education to better prepare healthcare providers for addressing these issues.

Hopeful Messages and the Role of Healthcare

Despite the alarming findings, Dr. Trisande offers a beacon of hope by highlighting the body's ability to recover when exposure is reduced. He points out that interventions to lower plastic contact can rapidly decrease the levels of harmful chemicals in the body, leading to improved health outcomes.

Notable Quote:
"The body is very biodynamic, which means that it can be affected badly, quickly, but it can also improve quickly as well."
— Dr. Sanjay Gupta [26:24]

Listener Engagement: Addressing PFAS Concerns

In the Q&A segment, a listener named Dimple inquires about PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) in drinking water and effective filtering methods. Dr. Gupta advises:

• Filtration Options: Utilize carbon filters or reverse osmosis systems to remove PFAS from drinking water.
• Stay Informed: Refer to resources from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and Environmental Working Group (EWG) for more information on water safety and PFAS contamination.

Notable Quote:
"A carbon filter or reverse osmosis system is good at removing PFAs. Those are the kind of things we use in our own home."
— Dr. Sanjay Gupta [30:01]

Conclusion

Dr. Gupta wraps up the episode by emphasizing the importance of staying informed and taking manageable steps to reduce plastic exposure. He encourages listeners to make conscious choices in their daily lives while advocating for broader systemic changes to address the root causes of plastic pollution.

Final Quote:
"We can control what's within our power and demand better from the companies and systems around us at the same time. That's what chasing life is all about."
— Dr. Sanjay Gupta [27:04]

Key Takeaways

• Ubiquity of Plastics: Microplastics are pervasive in the environment and enter the human body through various pathways, including ingestion, inhalation, and personal care products.

• Health Risks: Emerging research links microplastics to serious health issues, including cardiovascular diseases, endocrine disruption, and developmental problems in children.

• Actionable Steps: Individuals can reduce their plastic footprint by opting for alternative materials, avoiding heating plastics, and choosing microplastic-free products. Systemic changes are also crucial for long-term solutions.

• Hope and Recovery: Reducing exposure can lead to significant health improvements, underscoring the body's resilience and the effectiveness of proactive measures.

This episode of Chasing Life serves as a crucial call to action, urging both personal responsibility and collective effort to combat the hidden dangers of microplastics and safeguard our health for the future.