A new study published in Science of The Total Environment found links between microplastic (MP) exposure and several health factors known to contribute to liver disease.
In short:
- People with higher levels of MPs in their stool had more persistent liver disease after bariatric surgery compared to those with lower MP levels.
- Individuals with higher MP levels also had higher counts of several types of immune cells that promote the progression of liver disease.
Key quote:
“These results support a role for larger prospective studies to further investigate the contribution of MPs in the development of metabolic diseases.”
Why this matters:
Plastic use has continued to grow exponentially since the mid-twentieth century, with nearly a metric ton of plastic waste produced for every person on the planet. Recent studies have confirmed that microplastics are present in everything from bottled water to food and all parts of the human body that have been examined so far. This is one of the few studies that have found links between MPs and human health effects, and the authors emphasize the need for more research to better understand the full extent of microplastics’ impacts on human health.
Related EHN coverage:
- Op-ed: Strengthening microplastic regulation to protect our kidneys
- Patients may be exposed to microplastics through medical procedures
More resources:
- WATCH: Micro- and nanoplastics and public health: EU research findings, hosted by CUSP and sponsored by the EDC Strategies Partnership.
- HEEDS publishes a weekly Research Roundup of new studies on environmental chemicals and metabolism. Sign up to stay up to date.
Schwenger, Katherine et al. for Science of The Total Environment vol 953. Nov. 25, 2024
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