In recent years, there’s been a noticeable increase in cancer diagnoses across the United States, with about 2 million people receiving this life-changing news in 2024 alone. While genetics and lifestyle choices have always been significant factors, scientists are now exploring new possibilities that might explain this worrying trend.

A team of researchers in California has proposed that microplastics could play a notable role in this increase, particularly in cases of colon and lung cancer. Although the evidence is not yet conclusive, these tiny particles are considered to have a ‘suspected’ role in the disease.

What makes microplastics a prime suspect is their potential to cause chronic inflammation and harm to the immune system. Their effects go deeper, too, according to scientific investigations: “Across various health outcomes, exposure to microplastics is ‘suspected’ to be a digestive hazard to humans. There’s a potential link to colon cancer, based on the key characteristics of carcinogens approach,” as highlighted by the study.

Moreover, there’s concern over the impact of microplastics on fertility in men and women. Their presence could lead to airway inflammation, increasing the risk of developing lung cancer for those frequently exposed.

The study elaborates on the trouble caused by these minute particles: “Due to their small size, microplastics can easily find their way into and throughout the human body. They have been detected in the placenta, breastmilk, and even within living tissue.”

Tracey J. Woodruff, a leading expert in obstetrics and gynecology and the principal author of the study, pointed out: “These microplastics are essentially fine particulate matter similar to air pollution, which we know is deleterious to health.”

This emerging evidence calls for significant attention from industries that manufacture large quantities of plastics. It highlights the need for greater scrutiny and regulation to mitigate this potential health crisis.