Breaking the Skin Barrier: Scientists Discover New Health Risks of Microplastics

New research indicates that toxic chemicals added to plastic materials for flame resistance can enter the body through the skin by contact with microplastics.

The study offers the first experimental evidence that chemicals present as additives in microplastics can leach into human sweat, and then be absorbed through the skin, into the bloodstream.

Many chemicals used as flame retardants and plasticizers have already been banned, due to evidence of adverse health effects including damage to the liver or nervous system, cancer, and risks to reproductive health. However, these chemicals are still present in the environment in older electronics, furniture, carpets, and building materials.