The microplastics are created by theBreakdown of plastic products. During this process, waste in nature is mainly broken down by the weather, creating tiny pieces of plastic that we cannot see with the naked eye. It has already been established that these microplastics have a negative impact on the environment. Now researchers are wondering to what extent it is harmful to people. Scientists from Canada and Brazil want to test whether microplastics can promote inflammatory processes in the body.
The negative effects of microplastics on our bodies
Professor Daniel G. Cyr of the National Institute of Research in Canada is the leader of the Canadian research team. The team will receive support from scientists from several universities in Brazil. The study was funded by the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada's.
Products made from bisphenol, polystyrene andPhthalates and their effectson the human body have already been researched. But very few studies in recent years have focused on the toxicological effects of microplastics. The researchers now want to find out exactly that, because plastic nanoparticles have already been found in the air, water and even in fruit and vegetables. These particles can be inhaled or ingested through food and are small enough to cross the intestinal barrier and enter the body. The extent to which they endanger our health remains unclear. The researchers want to find out whether they can promote inflammatory processes in our body. Such inflammatory processes could trigger neurodegenerative diseases. Those affected react to this with an unbalanced immune response.
Another important question would be whether the plastic particles get into the blood and can thus be transported to other organs or to the brain and what consequences the inflammation can have in the various organs. The doctors from Brazil will also look into the effects of microplastics on fertility.
The study is currently in the preparatory phase and will be carried out over the next four years.
