What Happens If You Swallow Plastic: Risks, Health Effects & What to Do
- Jenny
- Jan 4
- 3 min read
Swallowing plastic can be a scary experience. This might happen with a tiny piece of food wrapper or a larger plastic item. Small pieces often pass through your body without causing major harm. However, eating plastic is not safe. The risk depends on the piece's size and shape, what chemicals are in it, and how often it happens.
Knowing what plastic does inside your body is important. It's also key to know when you should see a doctor. This helps keep you safe.
How the Body Handles Swallowed Plastic
Plastic is indigestible, meaning the body cannot break it down with stomach acid or enzymes.
Plastic Passing Through the Digestive System
Small, smooth plastic pieces often pass through the intestines and exit naturally within a few days
Larger or sharp plastic fragments may cause irritation, blockage, or injury
Most plastics move through the digestive tract unchanged, but that does not mean they are risk-free.
Potential Health Risks of Swallowing Plastic
Physical Injury and Internal Damage
Swallowing plastic with sharp edges or hard shapes is dangerous. It can cut or poke a hole in your throat, stomach, or intestines. You might feel symptoms like:
Stomach pain
Internal bleeding
Swelling or infection
Digestive problems
Intestinal Blockage
Large plastic objects may cause intestinal obstruction, leading to:
Severe stomach pain
Vomiting
Bloating
Constipation
In serious cases, medical intervention or surgery may be required.
Choking and Airway Obstruction
Plastic can become lodged in the throat, causing breathing difficulty or choking, which is a medical emergency — especially in children.
Chemical Exposure and Toxicity Risks
Many plastics contain harmful chemicals such as BPA, PFAS, and phthalates.
Why Plastic Chemicals Matter
These substances are known as endocrine disruptors, meaning they can interfere with hormone balance. Long-term exposure has been associated with:
Hormonal imbalance
Reproductive health issues
Developmental problems
Increased chronic disease risk
Even if plastic passes through the body, chemical leaching remains a concern.
Microplastics: The Hidden Long-Term Risk
What Are Microplastics?
Microplastics are plastic particles smaller than 5 mm. They enter the human body through:
Food
Drinking water
Air
Studies suggest humans may ingest significant amounts of microplastics weekly without noticing.
Why Microplastics Are Concerning
Microplastics have been detected in blood, lungs, and internal organs. They may:
Trigger inflammation
Disrupt immune response
Carry toxic chemicals into tissues
Research on long-term effects is ongoing, but reducing exposure is strongly recommended.
When to Seek Medical Help
You should seek medical attention immediately if you experience:
Difficulty breathing or swallowing
Persistent or severe abdominal pain
Vomiting or bloody stool
Fever or signs of infection
If a swallowed plastic object is large, sharp, or rigid, medical evaluation is advised even if symptoms are mild.
What to Do If You Swallow Plastic
Safe Steps at Home
If a small, smooth plastic piece is swallowed and no symptoms appear:
Stay calm
Drink water
Eat fiber-rich foods
Monitor bowel movements
What NOT to Do
Do not induce vomiting
Do not ignore worsening symptoms
Do not assume “no pain” means no risk
Preventing Plastic Ingestion
Simple Prevention Tips
Avoid chewing plastic items
Keep small plastic parts away from children
Inspect food packaging before use
Reduce single-use plastics
Reducing Microplastic Exposure
Use glass or stainless-steel containers
Avoid heating food in plastic
FAQ: Swallowing Plastic
Is swallowing plastic always dangerous?
Not always. Small pieces often leave your body on their own. The danger depends on how big it is, its shape, and what chemicals are in the plastic.
Can plastic stay inside the body?
Most plastic you swallow will pass through. But very tiny pieces, called microplastics, can stay in your body's tissues.
Is swallowing plastic more dangerous for children?
Yes. For children, the risk is higher. They could choke more easily or get hurt more seriously. They need to see a doctor quickly if they swallow plastic.
Does swallowing plastic increase cancer risk?
Swallowing plastic chemicals over a long time might increase health risks. But a single, small plastic piece does not mean you will get cancer right away.
Conclusion
Swallowing plastic is usually an accident, but you should not ignore it. Small pieces might leave your body. But there are real dangers: harmful chemicals, cuts inside your body, and tiny plastic bits building up inside you. To protect your health long-term, it's important to know the facts, watch for warning signs, and try to use less plastic every day.
Mark
Director at Mana-Eco
Specializing in biodegradable tableware
WhatsApp: +86 18858902211
Email: mark@mana-eco.com
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