Microplastics are linked to inflammation—scientists might have finally worked out why
Microplastics interact with water to create highly reactive molecules, a new study finds
Microplastics have been linked to a range of health issues, including heart attacks, stroke, dementia and brain tumors. However, the underlying mechanisms behind these associations remain unclear. A new study in Nature, led by chemist Wei Min from Columbia University, may have uncovered an important clue. Microplastics interact with water, generating highly reactive molecules.
As microplastics break down into smaller particles, their surface-to-volume ratio increases dramatically, amplifying any chemical activity. Water molecules cannot form hydrogen bonds on the hydrophobic plastic surfaces, altering molecular arrangements and influencing local electrical environments. This leads to perturbations in proteins, cell membranes and other cellular structures, triggering inflammation, oxidative stress and decreased mitochondrial activity.
While the study provides a potential mechanism for these health effects, the exact link between microplastics and human disease remains to be established. Nonetheless, the findings offer a new perspective on the toxic effects of plastic pollution and underscore the need for further research to understand the risks.
Written by urgent.news from Scientific American's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
