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21 hours ago
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Gruesome pictures have revealed the shocking impact microplastics could be having on your appearance — and making you look decrepit and older.
Microplastics are now in almost everything we touch, from food and clothing to water, kitchenware and household items - and every American is now thought to have microplastics in their bodies.
They leach from plastic items into our bodies, either through contact or consumption, building up over-time and wreaking havoc on our hormones, increasing the risk of disease, drying out the skin, inflammation and weight fluctuations.
Now, a UK recycling company has tried to capture the impact these toxins could be having on the skin.
In a release, they used AI to estimate how long-term exposure to microplastics at low, medium and high levels could impact a man and a woman's appearance.
Mark Hall, a plastic waste expert at the business behind the report, said: 'It's clear to see there are many worrying signs of how this pollution might affect us.
'The imagery we have generated is based on the findings of these studies and shows alarming results, but we hope the images will make people sit up and pay attention to the larger issue.'
The above is an estimation of the potential effects on a woman's appearance from exposure to a low level of microplastics
The above is an estimation of the potential effects on a man's appearance from exposure to a low level of microplastics
Studies show these microplastics, particles less than 5 millimeters in size, have been detected throughout the body, including the blood and saliva, and infiltrated key organs like the kidneys, placenta and even the brain.
Additional research shows they could be disrupting hormones and raising the risk of heart disease, cancer, inflammatory bowel disease and other conditions.
Scientists have also suggested that this hormone disruption could raise the risk of weight gain.
There are also concerns that pollution levels can lead to red and irritated eyes, and breathing difficulties like coughing and wheezing.
In a report from businesswaste.co.uk, researchers took AI-generated images of a young and healthy man and woman's face and then exposed them to an environment filled with three levels — either low, medium or high — of microplastics.
They said the resulting appearance was an estimation of the impact these plastics would have based on studies.
At the low level, they said the two people had been exposed to the microplastics via food, drink and their everyday environment.
In these cases, their report suggested that the small amounts were interfering with hormones — leading to skin dryness, redness and irritation.
At the medium level, they said the participants had been exposed to microplastics via regularly consuming processed food — often in plastic packaging — and seafood, which often contains an elevated amount of microplastics. They were also wearing clothes made from man-made fabrics nylon and polyester more regularly.
The above shows what could happen to a woman who is exposed to a medium level of microplastics
The above shows what could happen to a man who is exposed to a medium level of microplastics
Researchers warned this could cause further skin irritation and hormone disruption, leading to the production of more oils in the skin and faster aging.
In particular, hormone disruptions linked to testosterone are known to raise oil production in the skin.
They also said that these individuals are more likely to live in areas with higher levels of air pollution, which can lead to red, irritated eyes and breathing difficulties like coughing and wheezing.
And that hormonal disruptions can lead to weight fluctuations and digestive issues.
Additionally, the researchers said that these people may be more likely to suffer from fatigue and brain fog — as their bodies struggle to handle the cumulative effects.
And at the high level of exposure, they said the participants were also being exposed to microplastics in the workplace, low-quality drinking water and via the consistent use of synthetic fabrics and cookware.
Workplaces raising the risk of microplastic exposure include waste management, synthetic textile industries and those involving manufacturing plastics.
Above is what could happen to a woman's face if she is exposed to a high level of microplastics
The above shows what could happen to a man's face after exposure to a high level of microplastics
This led to even further skin-inflammation and signs of premature aging for individuals, the team estimated.
This includes skin discoloration and the appearance of hard lumps and lesions on the skin that won't heal properly. There may also be blue or purple discoloration to the lips and fingertips.
Researchers also said there is likely to be more hormone disruption at this level, causing hair thinning or loss, unexplained weight fluctuations and irregular menstrual cycles.
Mr Hall suggested several ways people could protect themselves from microplastics exposure, including ditching single-use plastics and filtering their water.
He also said they could swap out nylon and polyester-based fabrics for those made from natural materials like cotton and wool.
He suggested eating organic food where possible, cutting back on seafood and switching to wooden spoons and chopping boards and glass food containers.
