Microplastics have become a significant environmental and health issue in this century. Over the past 150 years, industrialization has led to increased reliance on oil to boost economies, which has, in turn, led to the development of various plastics for building materials and other industrial uses. In earlier times, there were widespread concerns about diseases like cholera and typhoid. However, with industrial growth, new health challenges have emerged, many linked to air pollution. Recent studies indicate that microplastics, a pollutant created by plastic degradation, are entering human systems, raising concerns about their potential health impacts.

Microplastics can be classified into two main types.

  1. Primary microplastics are tiny plastic particles that are intentionally manufactured at a small size for specific purposes. Primary microplastics can be found in various consumer and industrial products and are released into the environment through their use or disposal. They can be microbeads, which are tiny plastic beads with a diameter typically less than 1mm. They are often used in personal care products such as exfoliating scrubs, toothpaste, and cosmetics. They are added to these products to provide texture and abrasion. Another type can be microfibers, which are small fibers with a diameter of about 10 micrometers (10 μm). They have exceptional smoothness and softness, which makes them widely used in many applications, including the production of clothing, household appliances, and cleaning products. In the fashion industry, microfibers are often used to create products such as sweaters, coats, and other high-end fabrics.

  2. Secondary microplastics are small plastic particles formed from the breakdown and fragmentation of larger plastic items, unlike primary microplastics, which are purposefully manufactured at a small size. These could be fragmented plastics, which are small plastic fragments that result from the physical degradation of larger plastic items like bottles, containers, and packaging. Microplastic pellets (nurdles) are small plastic pellets, usually 1 to 5 mm in size, produced from recycled plastic and used as raw materials in manufacturing new plastic products. Foamed microplastics are certain plastics used in packaging and insulation that are designed to be lightweight and foamy.

Microplastics have been linked to various health issues, with documented evidence showing damage to the lungs due to disruption of the epithelial barrier. This disruption contributes to conditions like inflammatory bowel disease and an increase in allergic reactions. Recent research suggests that microplastics and nanoplastics in plaque lining major blood vessels, such as the carotid artery, may elevate the risk of heart attack, stroke, and other cardiovascular events. In early 2024, an analysis of 24 human brain samples found an average of about 0.5% plastic by weight. Studies have also detected microscopic plastic particles in several body parts, including the lungs, placenta, reproductive organs, liver, kidneys, joints, blood vessels, and bone marrow.

Action plan

Asia has been actively addressing microplastic pollution through a combination of government policies and initiatives aimed at mitigating its environmental and health impacts. Many Asian nations participate in collaborative efforts to address microplastic pollution. Initiatives such as the ASEAN Regional Action Plan for Combating Marine Debris and partnerships with the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) help align policies, fund research, and promote best practices across borders. Some notable policies and actions taken by governments in Asia include:

  • China: in 2020, it introduced a national ban on single-use plastics in major cities, which it plans to expand across the country by 2025.

  • India: India implemented a nationwide ban on single-use plastics in 2022 as part of its broader "Swachh Bharat Mission" (Clean India Mission). India is focused on reducing plastic waste through community education, incentives for biodegradable packaging, and research into alternatives to conventional plastics. There are also initiatives to monitor and address microplastic contamination in major rivers, such as the Ganges.

  • Japan: Japan has enacted the Act on Promotion of Resource Circulation for Plastics. Through initiatives like the "Ocean Partnership Program," Japan collaborates with other countries in the Asia-Pacific region to tackle marine plastic pollution.

  • Indonesia: Indonesia has pledged to cut ocean plastic waste by 70% by 2025 as part of its "National Plan of Action on Marine Debris."

  • Thailand: Thailand’s "Roadmap on Plastic Waste Management 2018–2030" aims to eliminate key single-use plastics by 2022 and establish a recycling rate of over 80% by 2027.

  • Philippines: The Philippines is a significant contributor to ocean plastic pollution due to inadequate waste management infrastructure. However, policies are evolving, with the Ecological Solid Waste Management Act encouraging proper waste segregation and recycling.

Public efforts to control plastic pollution are critical and complement government policies. Here are some key ways in which individuals and communities are actively reducing plastic use and minimizing environmental impacts: reduce the use of single-use plastic, promote and consume bio-based plastics, get involved in community cleanups of plastic waste, and get involved in the circular economy.