Microplastic can make you more likely to be fat?
Microplastics are becoming more and more pervasive and can be found in various places, including our bodies. These minute plastic fragments are a consequence of the disposal and decomposition of industrial waste and consumer products, contributing to the accumulation of plastic debris in the environment.
A study by NIEHS suggests that exposure to microplastics and plastic additives can potentially lead to an elevated risk of obesity in humans. These additives, which include heat and UV stabilizers, plasticizers, and flame retardants, are added to improve various properties of plastics. The study suggests that these additives may negatively impact metabolism and promote the growth of fat cells.
Scientists have developed a theory that suggests a connection between the rise in global plastic production, the exposure of humans to microplastics, and the increasing rates of overweight and obesity around the world.
According to Kurunthachalam Kannan, Ph.D., a professor at the New York University Grossman School of Medicine, the production and usage of plastics has greatly increased in the past 50 years. This increase aligns with the global rise in overweight and obesity rates. While there are multiple factors contributing to the obesity pandemic, such as lack of physical activity, studies suggest that plastic consumption may also play a significant role. It is worth noting that caloric intake has not seen significant changes in recent decades.
Understanding the Widespread Presence of Microplastics
Over the past few decades, there has been a significant rise in plastic waste. As these plastics are exposed to various weathering processes such as erosion, abrasion, oxidation, and decomposition, they eventually break down into tiny particles known as microplastics. These microplastics refer to any plastic fragments that are smaller than 5 millimeters in size.
According to the publication, the European Union is responsible for producing an estimated 75,000 to 300,000 tons of microplastics annually. It is projected that by 2060, microplastics could account for 13.2% of the total weight of plastics worldwide. The primary source of these microplastics is the breakdown of larger plastic items. However, other types of microplastics originate from microfibers or synthetic textiles, plastic fragments and pellets, and microbeads found in cleaning and cosmetic products.
According to Kannan, microplastic exposure is widespread among the population. It is estimated that nearly everyone encounters microplastics on a daily basis, making it a significant global public health concern.
Microplastics and plastic additives are commonly released into various parts of the environment such as oceans, surface water, wastewater, sediment, and indoor and outdoor air. As a result, humans are exposed to microplastics on a daily basis through different pathways, including inhaling them through indoor and outdoor air and dust, as well as ingesting them through contaminated food and water.
“An average person is exposed to a few to several milligrams of microplastics daily, ... When you compare this exposure to other environmental chemicals, which is usually in nanograms or micrograms daily, microplastics exposure is huge, and it is a cause for concern.”
According to the publication, the main sources of exposure to microplastics include inhaling indoor air and dust, consuming drinking water and packaged beverages, eating contaminated foods, and using cosmetics and textiles. It is important to note that globally, consuming water from plastic bottles is the second-largest contributor to microplastic exposure.
The presence of microplastic contamination in seafood and sea salt is a well-known issue. However, there hasn't been much research conducted on the potential exposure to microplastics from other food sources and plastic food packaging. The authors of the study acknowledge that one of the challenges they faced was accurately measuring the levels of microplastics in food, mainly because there is a lack of standardized and validated analytical methods for this purpose.
Understanding the Impacts of Microplastic Exposure on Health
Microplastics and plastic additives pose serious health risks due to their continuous exposure. Although the majority of microplastics are eliminated through feces, those that are smaller than 150 micrometers can enter the intestinal epithelium. Additionally, particles under 20 micrometers have the ability to reach organs like the lungs and liver through the bloodstream. Inhalation of microplastics can directly deposit particles in the lungs. Furthermore, microplastics ranging from 0.1 to 10 micrometers in size can even cross the blood-brain barrier and the placenta.
It is not yet fully known how microplastics affect human health, but studies on laboratory animals and cell cultures indicate that these chemicals may contribute to obesity through various mechanisms.
Microplastics that are smaller than 20 micrometers and can enter the cell membrane have the potential to trigger an immune response and cause damage to cells. The presence of microplastics can lead to oxidative stress and disrupt the metabolism of energy and fatty acids. Additionally, research has demonstrated that the accumulation of microplastics in the liver and kidney can promote the growth and buildup of fat cells, as well as disrupt the balance of energy in the body, potentially impacting body weight.
Plastic additives are substances that are added to plastic materials, but it's important to note that some of these additives can be harmful. When plastic additives enter the environment as microplastics, they can act as co-contaminants. These additives, such as organotins, phthalates, bisphenols, and toxic metals, have been found to have negative effects on fat cell growth and the proteins that regulate lipid and glucose metabolism. One commonly used plastic additive, Bisphenol A (BPA), has been shown to disrupt the endocrine system and disrupt the body's hormonal balance, potentially affecting metabolism and contributing to weight gain.
The global rise in overweight and obesity is causing alarm due to the heightened risk of various health problems, including diabetes, cardiovascular disease, hypertension, and certain cancers. According to the World Health Organization, obesity rates have nearly tripled since 1975. Interestingly, the increase in obesity has coincided with a rise in exposure to microplastics and plastic additives, indicating a possible connection between the two.
According to Kannan, there is still much to be discovered about the harmful impacts of microplastics on humans. Specifically, the type, size, and concentrations of microplastics can play a significant role in affecting metabolic pathways that may contribute to weight gain.
One of the main areas lacking in knowledge is understanding the extent of exposure. There is still much to be learned about the sources and routes of exposure to microplastics, including the exposure doses from food and food packaging. It is crucial to develop comprehensive and holistic methods for quantifying these exposures.
- Log in to post comments