Understanding The Health Risks Of Microplastics

'Actual consumption of microplastics is much lower than popular media suggests. ...Practical "avoid" examples: Avoid paper coffee cups, plastic cutting boards, microwaving food in plastic, dishwashing plastic items.'

By The Market Ear: If you are a consumer of health-related news you cannot have avoided the increased focus on the harms of microplastic exposure.

What kick-started the focus was a headline grabbing new study published in the New England Journal of Medicine in 2024 that examined the presence of microplastics and nanoplastics in human arterial plaque. Researchers analysed plaque samples from 304 patients and they detected microplastics, predominantly polyethylene, in the arterial plaque of these patients. Notably, individuals with microplastics in their arterial plaque were found to have a 4.5 times higher risk of experiencing a heart attack, stroke, or death within the subsequent three years compared to those without such microplastic presence. Very scary data indeed. Since then, various health influencers have competed in extrapolating this study and recommended implementing more and more extreme lifestyle measures to avoid plastic.

Among other health risk that have been mentioned are increased risk for chronic diseases, infertility, and endocrine issues as well as oxidative stress, inflammatory reactions and epigenetic changes.

Now Peter Attia & his team have spent a fair amount of time to review all the data on the subject. Here are his important conclusions.

 

 

1. Actual consumption of microplastics is much lower than popular media suggests.

2. Most ingested microplastics are quickly eliminated, primarily through stool.

3. The tests that exist on the market today to measure plastic exposure are not yet reliable enough to act as a biomarker or a proxy to guide interventions.

4. Research is in its infancy despite frequent media coverage. 

5. Studies in humans are limited, with small sample sizes and inconsistencies.

6. While there is “smoke,” the evidence does not support the extreme claims seen in social media.

6. The narrative around plastics being an existential threat is overstated based on current data.

7. Despite incomplete data, it is clear that plastic concentrations in human tissues are rising.

8. Current data does not conclusively prove that micro/nanoplastics (MNPs) are significantly hazardous to human health, nor does it confirm their harmlessness.

9. Given the lack of benefits and potential for harm, reducing exposure appears prudent.

10. Significant risk reduction is achievable without excessive cost or effort. Example: Replacing plastic with glass for food storage and water bottles is affordable and convenient. So is avoid heating or storing food in plastic.

11. Further risk reduction: Limit consumption of highly processed foods and beverages. Be mindful of fast-food packaging, which may contain harmful chemicals.

12. Some exposure is inevitable: Focus on impactful strategies within your lifestyle rather than striving for perfection.

13. Practical "avoid" examples: Avoid paper coffee cups, plastic cutting boards, microwaving food in plastic, dishwashing plastic items.

 

 

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