Microplastics can trigger chronic inflammation. Research indicates that microplastics mainly cause harm to health by inducing inflammation and disrupting the immune system. Chronic inflammation can damage blood vessel linings and cell membranes, predisposing individuals to various chronic diseases.
Microplastics and the chemicals they degrade into can cause oxidative stress in our bodies. One study found that microplastics induce oxidative stress in tissues, inhibit enzyme activities, and promote lipid peroxidation. Oxidative stress is a self-defense mechanism in our bodies.
While normally not problematic, excessive oxidative stress can lead to an overproduction of free radicals, which can damage our body’s cells and tissues, thereby increasing the risk of various diseases. Microplastics can also adsorb other toxic chemicals , such as heavy metals, causing further harm to the body. After analyzing the carotid artery plaques in all patients, the researchers detected polyethylene in the plaques of 150 patients and polyvinyl chloride in the plaques of 31 patients.
In other words, microplastics were found in the carotid artery plaques of 181 out of 304 patients. Firstly, a collective effort to avoid using various plastic products and to seek safer alternatives in industrial production would help. The addition of plastic microbeads to everyday products such as toothpaste and skincare should be prohibited.
Additionally, we need to ensure the proper management of plastic waste. An.