Impact of Plastic Pollution on Health and the Environment
The global production and usage of over 400 million tons of plastic each year have resulted in significant pollution of natural environments, including beaches, rivers, and the ocean’s deepest trenches, which extend to depths of approximately 11,000 meters. Beyond these visible environmental repercussions, plastic production is also a contributor to climate change, generating an estimated 1.8 billion tons of greenhouse gases annually. Emerging scientific evidence suggests that the pervasive use of plastic materials in daily life has negative implications for human health.
Microplastics in Everyday Life
A considerable number of plastic particles can detach from everyday items such as curtains, furniture, and clothing. These microplastics can remain suspended in the air, dissolve in drinking water, adhere to food, and come into contact with human skin. Research has demonstrated the presence of microplastics in various human biological samples, including blood, the brain, placenta, breast milk, and even bones.
Microplastics and Bone Health
Recent research, supported by FAPESP and published in the journal Osteoporosis International, reviewed 62 scientific articles and highlighted the harmful effects of microplastics on bone health. One significant finding indicates that microplastics can impair the function of bone marrow stem cells, promoting the formation of osteoclasts—multinucleated cells responsible for bone resorption.
Rodrigo Bueno de Oliveira, coordinator of the Laboratory for Mineral and Bone Studies in Nephrology (LEMON) at the Faculty of Medical Sciences of the State University of Campinas (FCM-UNICAMP) in São Paulo, Brazil, states, “The potential impact of microplastics on bones is the subject of scientific studies and should not be underestimated. In vitro studies have shown that microplastics impair cell viability, accelerate cellular aging, alter cell differentiation, and promote inflammation.”
Animal Studies on Microplastics
Oliveira reports that animal studies have demonstrated that accelerated osteoclast senescence can disrupt bone microstructure, potentially leading to dysplasia, which compromises bone integrity and increases the risk of deformities and pathological fractures. He emphasizes, “In this study, the adverse effects culminated in the alarming interruption of the animals’ skeletal growth.”
While the complete extent of the impact of microplastics on bone mechanics is still under investigation, data suggest that their presence in the bloodstream may detrimentally affect bone health. Oliveira notes, “A significant body of research indicates that microplastics can infiltrate deep into bone tissue, including bone marrow, potentially disrupting its metabolism.”
Future Research Directions
In light of these concerns, Oliveira’s research team is embarking on a project to empirically assess the relationship between microplastic exposure and the worsening of metabolic bone diseases. Utilizing animal models, the researchers will study the effects of microplastics on the structural integrity of rodent femurs.
The Growing Concern of Osteoporosis
According to the International Osteoporosis Foundation (IOF), the worldwide prevalence of osteoporosis-related fractures is on the rise, driven by an aging population. Projections indicate a 32% increase in osteoporosis-related fractures by 2050.
Oliveira states, “Improving quality of life and minimizing the risk of bone-related complications, such as fractures, remains a healthcare priority. We understand that physical activity, a balanced diet, and pharmacological interventions play significant roles in this regard. However, even while osteometabolic diseases are relatively well understood, there is a knowledge gap regarding the influence of microplastics on the development of these diseases. One of our objectives is to provide evidence suggesting that microplastics could represent a controllable environmental risk factor that may help explain the anticipated increase in bone fractures.”
Key Health Takeaway
As plastic pollution becomes increasingly pervasive, awareness of its potential health impacts, particularly on bone health and metabolic diseases, is essential. Ongoing research aims to clarify the relationship between microplastic exposure and health outcomes, highlighting the importance of addressing environmental factors in public health strategies.
