Jakarta, domclub Indonesia
—
a
study
The latest suggests that
microplastics
has now entered the human body.These tiny pieces of plastic have even been found in human bones.
Recent research reveals that it is found deep in human bones after previously being detected in feces, placenta, reproductive organs and even the brain.A recent review of 62 studies shows that microplastics and small particles of nanoplastics can affect bone health in various ways.
ADVERTISEMENT
SCROLL TO CONTINUE WITH CONTENT
“A large number of studies show that microplastics can penetrate deep into bone tissue, such as bone marrow, and have the potential to cause disruption to metabolism therein,” said medical scientist Rodrigo Bueno de Oliveira from the State University of Campinas, Brazil, quoting from Science Alert (26/09).
Microplastics are small pieces of plastic that can pollute the environment, although many people think their size is less than 5 mm in diameter.
Consisting of two types, namely micro primer which is made directly for products used by humans, such as soap, detergent, cosmetics and clothing.As well as secondary microorganisms that come from plastic waste decomposed in the ocean.These two types of microplastics can persist for a long time in the environment.
Human studies show that these plastic remnants accumulate in bone tissue after being ingested through the bloodstream.Meanwhile, animal studies show that these particles can inhibit bone growth.
Apart from that, disturbances in osteoclasts, namely cells that function in the process of bone growth and repair, can cause weakening of the bone structure, so that bones become more prone to fracture or deformation.
“In vitro studies with bone tissue cells show that microplastics can disrupt cell viability, accelerate cell aging, and alter cell differentiation processes, as well as trigger inflammation,” explained Bueno de Oliveira.
The finding of these adverse effects raises concerns about hampered development of the skeletal system in animals.
While this may not apply directly to human bones, osteoporosis, a condition that makes bones more brittle and prone to fracture, is increasingly common throughout the world.
In addition to known risks such as alcohol consumption and the aging process, researchers suspect that microplastics may be a contributing factor.
For years, researchers have called for increased support for researching the impact of petrochemical pollutants on the human body.
On the other hand, society can play a role with simple steps such as limiting the use of plastic products.Starting from synthetic clothing to drink bottles and filtering the water consumed.
This small effort could be the start of reducing the huge threat that microplastics pose to health and the environment.
Rain contains microplastics
Research results from the National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN) revealed that rainwater in Jakarta contains dangerous microplastic particles originating from human activities in urban areas.
BRIN researcher Muhammad Reza Cordova explained that research carried out since 2022 shows microplastics in every rainwater sample in the capital, which are formed from the degradation of plastic waste floating in the air due to human activities.
“These microplastics come from synthetic clothing fibers, vehicle and tire dust, residue from burning plastic waste, as well as plastic degradation in open spaces,” said Reza, in a statement, reported by Antara, Friday (17/10).
The microplastics found are generally in the form of synthetic fibers and small plastic fragments, especially polymers such as polyester, nylon, polyethylene, polypropylene, and even polybutadiene from vehicle tires.
On average, he continued, researchers found around 15 microplastic particles per square meter per day in rain samples in the coastal areas of Jakarta.
This phenomenon occurs because the plastic cycle has now reached the atmosphere.Microplastics can be lifted into the air through road dust, burning smoke and industrial activity, then carried by the wind and come back down with rain, which is known as atmospheric
microplastic deposition
.
(wpj/dmi)
[Gambas:domclub Video]
Read More: PHOTO: Mighty Man City, Dortmund Go Home in Tears
Read More: Suzuki: Carbon Neutrality Target Is Not Increasing Electric Cars
