Study: Exposure to high doses of micro-sized polyethylene has adverse effects on cells

Reviewed by Emily Henderson, B.Sc.Jan 17 2023

Exposure to high doses of micro-sized polyethylene has adverse effects on cells, a new study from the University of Eastern Finland finds. The researchers investigated the toxicity of micro-sized polyethylene in two different human colorectal cancer cell lines. Being one of our most common plastics, polyethylene is used for a variety of purposes, for example as packaging material. Exposure to high doses of polyethylene was found to decrease cell viability and increase the production of reactive oxygen species in cell mitochondria, which are vital energy-producing organelles.

The findings were published in Science of the Total Environment.

Humans are exposed to various microplastics all the time

Microplastic particles are less than 5 mm in diameter. They can be specifically manufactured for, e.g., products of the cosmetics industry, but they are also formed as a result of fragmentation and degradation of plastic debris. The most common microplastic particles in our environment originate from car tyre dust, artificial grass, and washing of clothes made of artificial fibres. Humans are exposed to microplastics mainly through nutrition and air, and although this exposure is known to happen on a daily basis, the health effects of microplastics remain largely unknown.

Polyethylene particles caused adverse effects in human colorectal cancer cell cultures

Microplastics end up in our system especially through the gastrointestinal tract. In the new study, the researchers investigated the toxic effects of micro-sized polyethylene in two human colorectal cancer cell lines. In addition to raw, untreated polyethylene, the researchers also used polyethylene treated with ethanol to determine how the treatment process affects particle toxicity. Cells were exposed to plastic particles for 48 hours at several different doses.

Both raw, untreated polyethylene and ethanol-treated polyethylene caused cell death in the cell cultures at high doses. Cell viability was measured using two different methods, both of which showed the same result. The researchers also investigated the production of reactive oxygen species after exposure. Reactive oxygen species are naturally produced in cells, but different exposures may also increase their number, possibly leading to adverse effects, such as DNA damage. Increased production of oxygen species was observed especially in mitochondria, i.e., the organelles producing energy for cells.

More microplastics research is needed to assess their health risks

The results of the study support earlier findings suggesting that microplastic particles may have adverse human health effects.

However, the spectrum of microplastics is very broad, and their effects may vary greatly depending on, for example, polymer type and particle shape and size."

Mikko Herrala, Article's Lead Author, Postdoctoral Researcher, School of Pharmacy, University of Eastern Finland

"To reliably assess the health risks of microplastics, we need more information on the effects and mechanisms of different types and shapes of microplastics both on the cellular level and in animals. We also need data on human exposure to microplastics, as well as on the resulting effects on human health," Herrala concludes.