Researchers find microplastics exposure greatly increases risk of infertility, colon cancer and poor lung function
By avagrace // 2025-01-03
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  • A study has found a strong connection between exposure to microplastics and health problems such as infertility, colon cancer and poor lung function after reviewing 3,000 studies.
  • Microplastics are present in air, water, food and human bodies, including crucial organs like the brain and placenta. They can enter the body via inhalation, ingestion and other means.
  • Once inside the body, microplastics can remain for a long time and damage organs and tissues, leading to an increased risk of reproductive health issues, digestive system damage that may lead to colon cancer and chronic lung inflammation that may increase the risk of lung cancer and other respiratory diseases.
  • With plastic production set to triple by 2060, researchers stress the need for immediate policy changes and personal actions to limit microplastic exposure and protect human and planetary health.
  • Individuals are advised to minimize exposure by reducing plastics use at home, such as by using reusable bags, choosing glass or stainless steel containers for storing food and supporting policies that limit single-use plastics.
Researchers from the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) have confirmed that exposure to microplastics has a strong link to a range of serious illnesses, including infertility, colon cancer and poor lung function. The researchers reviewed around 3,000 studies that have linked microplastics exposure to these health issues. Microplastics are, in essence, tiny particles of plastic. When they enter the body through inhalation, ingestion or other means they can get stuck in tissues and even make their way into the bloodstream. (Related: Microplastics linked to higher risk of heart attack, stroke and early death.) When these microplastics remain in the body – which they can do for a long time – the body's immune system recognizes them as foreign invaders and responds by setting off a cascade of inflammation. If this inflammation fails to dislodge the microplastics, it can lead to chronic inflammation that can harm various organs and tissues, leading to long-term damage and a host of health issues. One of the most concerning findings of the study is the link between microplastics and reproductive health. Both men and women are at risk. For men, these tiny particles can disrupt the hormonal balance essential for healthy sperm production, potentially leading to decreased sperm count and quality. In women, exposure can affect ovarian function and the development of the placenta, impacting pregnancy outcomes. The research even discovered a connection between microplastics in a woman’s placenta and low birth weight. The study also highlights the danger microplastics pose to the digestive system. When these particles enter the colon, they can damage the protective mucus layer, paving the way for potential tumor development. The researchers suspect that microplastics may play a role in the development of colon cancer. Microplastics also pose a great danger to respiratory health. When these particles are inhaled, they can settle in the lungs, causing chronic inflammation and injury. Over time, this can greatly reduce lung function and increase the risk of respiratory diseases such as lung cancer.

Researchers call for policy changes to limit microplastics exposure

With more than 460 million metric tons of plastic produced annually and production expected to triple by 2060, the implications of this research are daunting. The study’s authors stress the urgent need for regulatory agencies and policy makers to take action to reduce microplastic exposure and mitigate its health impacts. “We urge regulatory agencies and policy leaders to consider the growing evidence of health harms from microplastics, including colon and lung cancer,” said Nicholas Chartres of UCSF's Program on Reproductive Health and the Environment and the study's first author. Visit Microplastics.news for more on how microplastics damage health. Watch this video discussing the surprising places microplastics have been found. This video is from the High Hopes channel on Brighteon.com.

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Microplastics in the bloodstream linked to 4.5 times HIGHER stroke and heart attack risk, warn researchers. Microplastics pick up pollution, making them even more toxic to humans. Microplastics alter the shape of human lung cells, warn scientists. Sources include: DailyMail.co.uk Newsweek.com SciTechDaily.com Brighteon.com
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