The silent hazard - or why microplastics could be the next asbestos

The construction industry has long been haunted by the legacy of asbestos - a material once praised for its fire resistance and durability, only to be revealed as a deadly health hazard. Decades of exposure to asbestos have led to thousands of cases of mesothelioma, lung cancer and other respiratory diseases, leaving a devastating mark on workers and their families, writes John Ridgeway.

Today, a new but similarly insidious threat is emerging within the construction sector - microplastics. These tiny particles, have infiltrated nearly every corner of our environment - from oceans and soil to the very air we breathe. In the construction industry, microplastics are increasingly present in materials such as insulation, paints and even concrete. Just as asbestos was once seen as a modern solution to fireproofing and insulation, microplastics have become embedded in construction practices - often without the industry fully understanding the long-term consequences.

So, let’s ask the question - could microplastics be the asbestos of the 21st century? The parallels are striking and the potential health and environmental impacts are becoming harder to ignore

Microplastics are defined as plastic particles less than five millimetres in size, but they can be as small as a few microns. They originate from the breakdown of larger plastic materials, manufacturing processes and even directly from the materials used in construction. While much of the attention on microplastics has focused on marine pollution and food contamination, the construction sector is now recognised as a major source of microplastic pollution.

How microplastics enter construction materials

Modern construction relies heavily on plastic-based materials due to their versatility, durability and cost-effectiveness. Many industrial and architectural paints, for example, contain plastic polymers to enhance durability and weather resistance. When these surfaces are sanded, chipped, or exposed to weather, microplastics are released into the environment.

Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) is also one of the most commonly used materials in construction for piping and insulation. Over time, these materials degrade, shedding microplastic particles into water systems and the air. In addition, plastic fibres are increasingly added to concrete and asphalt to improve strength and flexibility. However, these fibres can wear down over time, contributing to microplastic pollution.

Spray foam insulation and polymer-based sealants also break down slowly over time, shedding microscopic plastic particles into the air and surrounding environment. This is because construction sites are dynamic, high-activity zones where materials are constantly being cut, drilled, sanded and broken down. Each of these actions can release microplastics into the air and surrounding soil and water systems. Furthermore, rainwater runoff from construction sites often carries these particles into drainage systems, eventually making their way into rivers and oceans.

Moreover, demolition projects can create a surge of microplastic pollution as older plastic-based materials are broken apart and dispersed. Much like asbestos dust, microplastic particles are small enough to become airborne, where they can be inhaled or settle on surfaces, posing both immediate and long-term health risks.

How microplastics compare to asbestos

The health dangers of asbestos are well-documented. When asbestos fibres are inhaled, they embed themselves in lung tissue, leading to inflammation, scarring and eventually diseases such as asbestosis, lung cancer and mesothelioma. While microplastics are structurally different from asbestos, their health risks may be equally alarming and perhaps even more pervasive.

Microplastics are lightweight and easily become airborne during construction and demolition activities. When inhaled, these particles can penetrate deep into the lungs, where they may cause inflammation and scarring. Similar to asbestos fibres, plastic particles can trigger an inflammatory response in lung tissue.

Studies have already shown that inhaled microplastics can interfere with normal lung function and lead to chronic respiratory conditions. Certain plastics, especially those containing polyvinyl chloride (PVC) or phthalates, have also been linked to cancer development in animal studies.

Microplastics are not just inert particles - they often carry harmful chemicals used during their production. These include Phthalates, which are used to make plastics more flexible. Phthalates are endocrine disruptors and are known to be linked to reproductive and developmental issues.

Bisphenol A (BPA), another common plastic additive, is linked to hormone disruption, cardiovascular issues and increased cancer risk. Some plastics also contain cadmium, lead, and mercury, which are highly toxic to humans and can accumulate in tissues over time.

Recent research suggests that microplastics can penetrate human cells, leading to DNA damage and increased oxidative stress, both precursors to cancer and other chronic illnesses. This echoes the damage caused by asbestos fibres at the cellular level, where inflammation and genetic mutations eventually lead to disease.

Beyond human health, microplastics pose a serious threat to the environment. The construction industry is already a major source of waste and pollution and microplastic contamination compounds these problems.

Soil and water contamination

Construction sites are notorious for runoff pollution and microplastics are no exception. Particles from degraded materials, insulation and paints often wash into local water systems, where they accumulate in riverbeds and coastal areas. Once in the water, microplastics are nearly impossible to remove and can persist for decades.

Microplastics that enter the water supply are ingested by aquatic organisms, working their way up the food chain. Fish, shellfish and even larger mammals are now routinely found with microplastic particles in their digestive systems, which can affect reproduction, growth and survival.

Microplastics are also light enough to be carried by the wind, dispersing into the atmosphere and settling in remote areas, even far from construction zones. This means that microplastic pollution is not contained - it becomes a global issue.

Why microplastics are the "New Asbestos"

The comparison between asbestos and microplastics is not just dramatic - it’s justified. Both materials were once heralded for their versatility and strength. Both were widely adopted before their health risks were fully understood. And both have the potential to leave a lasting legacy of health problems and environmental damage.

Like asbestos, the health effects of microplastics may not become fully apparent until decades after exposure. But we already know that both asbestos fibres and microplastics can be inhaled, leading to chronic inflammation and respiratory diseases.

The construction industry faced billions in lawsuits and remediation costs after the dangers of asbestos were uncovered. A similar reckoning may be on the horizon for microplastics. Just as asbestos was used for decades before health regulations caught up, microplastics remain largely unregulated in construction despite growing evidence of harm.

The construction industry cannot afford to repeat the mistakes of the asbestos era. Early recognition of the risks associated with microplastics presents an opportunity to mitigate harm before it escalates into a full-blown public health crisis.

Ww therefore need to move toward sustainable, non-plastic materials wherever possible, implement better air filtration, dust control and protective gear to reduce exposure on-site and fund independent studies to better understand the health and environmental impacts of microplastics.

The asbestos crisis taught the construction industry a hard lesson about the dangers of ignoring early warning signs. Microplastics present a similar challenge - one that the industry must confront head-on. By recognising the risks now and taking proactive measures, the construction sector has a chance to avoid repeating the tragic history of asbestos. The choice is clear: act now, or face the consequences later.