Microplastics and chronic diseases. Is there a link between the two?

Microplastics, ubiquitous in water, air and food, may be linked to the development of serious non-communicable diseases. Recent research presented at the American College of Cardiology conference indicates that hypertension, diabetes and strokes are more common in areas with high concentrations of microplastic in bottom sediments. Although a causal relationship has yet to be conclusively confirmed, the data raises serious concern

The ubiquity of microplastics

Microplastics are plastic particles between 1 nm and 5 mm in diameter that are formed by the decomposition of larger plastic fragments. They find their way into the environment from many sources, including food and beverage packaging, cosmetics, synthetic clothing and construction materials. Their presence is recorded in drinking water, food products and even in the air, bringing everyone into daily contact with them.

Due to their small size, they can enter the human body through ingestion, inhalation or skin contact. Their long-term health effects are still the subject of intense research, but recent analyses suggest that microplastic contamination may be a more serious problem than previously thought.

Correlation between microplastics and diseases

A team of researchers from Case Western Reserve School of Medicine in Ohio, led by Dr. Sai Rahul Ponnana, analyzed data on microplastic concentrations in bottom sediments from 555 census tracts in the US, located mainly along ocean coasts and lakes. It was in these areas that microplastic concentrations in bottom sediments were best documented. The study contrasted these data with rates of non-communicable diseases, such as hypertension, diabetes, stroke and cancer, recorded in 2019.

The concentration of microplastics in bottom sediments was classified into five categories – from low (0-200 particles/m²) to very high (above 40,000 particles/m²). The results of the study showed a clear positive correlation between higher concentrations of these particles and a higher incidence of hypertension, diabetes and stroke. No similarly strong correlation was observed for cancer. What’s more, the researchers saw a dose-effect relationship – the more microplastics were recorded in the bottom sediments, the higher the percentage of sick people in a given area.

Microbeads as a new risk factor

To assess the importance of microplastic pollution, the researchers compared its impact with as many as 154 other social and environmental factors, such as income, education levels, employment and particulate air pollution. To the surprise of the research team, microplastic ranked among the top 10 most important predictors of chronic disease. Its impact on stroke risk was comparable to factors such as belonging to an ethnic minority or lack of health insurance.

Need for further research and preventive measures

The study’s authors emphasize that despite the demonstrated correlations, it is not yet possible to speak of a direct cause-and-effect relationship between the presence of microplastics and the development of diseases. Further research is needed to determine how long a person needs to be exposed to these particles and to what amount for health consequences to appear. It will also be important to determine whether microplastics act directly on the body, whether they play an active role in the development of diseases, or whether they rather accompany other environmental hazards that have a real impact on health.

Despite these uncertainties, researchers agree that it is already worth taking steps to reduce the impact of microplastics. While avoiding it completely, due to the ubiquity of these particles, is virtually impossible, it is possible to significantly reduce the risk by reducing plastic production and consumption, and improving recycling and waste management systems.

As Dr. Ponnana notes: The environment plays a very important role in our health, especially in cardiovascular health. As a result, taking care of the environment means taking care of ourselves .