Ubiquitous microplastics may transport pollutants and disrupt biological processes
In short: A review of current environmental research found that microplastics are widespread in nature, appearing in drinking water, air, and various foods like honey and salt. These tiny particles can act as vehicles, carrying heavy metals and organic pollutants from lower-level organisms to higher levels in the food chain.
The review highlights that animal studies have observed microplastics distributing to vital organs, including the brain, after absorption. In humans, the additives within these plastics are linked to potential disruptions in the immune and endocrine systems. However, as a review of existing literature, these findings depend on the quality of the underlying studies.
Why it matters: Microplastics are pervasive in our environment and may carry harmful chemicals into the food chain.
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Sources
- Source: Research: Ziani et al. (2023). Microplastics: A Real Global Threat for Environment and Food Safety: A State of the Art Review. Nutrients. · cc-by
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