Microplastics are no longer just in the air, water or food. A new analysis shows that these particles reach even in our bones, where they can affect the health of the skeleton.
Microplastic discovered deep in the human bones: Archive
Microplastics, particles less than 5 millimeters from fossil fuels, have already been identified in feces, placenta, reproductive organs and even in the brain. Now, the researchers warn that they also enter the bones.
A review of 62 studies suggest that microplastics and nanoplastics influence the health of the bone system in several ways.
“A significant number of research suggests that microplastics can get deep In bone tissue, such as marrow, and can cause disorders of its metabolism ”said Rodrigo Bueno de Oliveira, a researcher at the State University of Campinas, Brazil.
Alarming effects on the skeleton
Studies conducted in humans show that these particles can reach the bones through the blood flow, after they are ingested. Animal experiments show that, once they got there, they can reduce bone growth.
Disturbing the function of osteoclasts, the cells responsible for the growth and repair of the bones, can lead to weakening of the bone structure, increasing the risk of deformations and fractures.
“In vitro studies with bone cells have shown that microplastics affect cell viability, accelerate cell aging and change their differentiation process, besides stimulating inflammation ”, explained Bueno de Oliveira, according to Medialxpress.
“The observed side effects have been culminated, worryingly, with the interruption of skeletal growth in animals”.
Possible connection with osteoporosis
Although there is still no certain evidence of identical effects on humans, researchers point out that the rate of osteoporosis is increasing globally. This disease causes the bones to become fragile and prone to fractures. Microplastics could be an additional factor, besides already known causes, such as alcohol consumption or population aging.
Microplastic sources photo: by Gruyter Bill
An increasing hazard
Experts warn that annual plastic production, over 400 million tonnes, increases this “ignored danger“, Releasing 1.8 billion tonnes of greenhouse gas in the atmosphere.
For years, the researchers are asking for more resources to study how these pollutants affected by oil has been acting on the human body.
How can we protect ourselves
Although complete exposure cannot be avoided, specialists recommend some measures to reduce risk: filtering drinking water and limiting the use of plastic products, from synthetic clothes to beverage cans.
