News | Study Finds Endocrine-Disrupting Effects of Micro- and Nanoplastic Particles
As evidence grows that plastic additives may disrupt sex hormones, a new laboratory study from Rutgers University suggests that plastic particles themselves, particularly when inhaled at moderate concentrations, can also disrupt the endocrine system and affect health.
Background and findings
Earlier studies focused mainly on chemicals used to make plastics harder or more flexible, such as bisphenol A (BPA), prompting an ongoing search for safer additives. The latest Rutgers study took a different approach and found that inhaled micro- and nanoscale nylon plastic particles (polyamide) caused endocrine disruption and changes in sex hormone levels in female laboratory rats.
The researchers suggested that inhaling these particles may help explain health trends including rising obesity and declining fertility. Phoebe Stapleton, an assistant professor at the Rutgers University School of Pharmacy and lead author, said, “Previous research has focused almost entirely on how chemical additives affect the endocrine system. Our study is the first to show that plastic particles themselves, rather than the plasticizing chemicals they contain, directly cause endocrine disruption.”
Methods and innovation
The study also used an innovative exposure method. Earlier research generally exposed animals to plastic particles through injection or feeding, while this study simulated how people inhale micro- and nanoplastics. The team aerosolized food-grade nylon particles and carried them through the air to the rats, closely approximating everyday inhalation of microplastics.
The researchers used powder-fine nylon particles and vibrations from a bass speaker to disperse them into the air for the female rats to inhale during a single 24-hour exposure.
Results and implications
Although inhaled micro- and nanoplastics were deposited throughout the rats' lungs, the preliminary results found no significant pulmonary inflammation. Researchers did observe changes in vascular function and reduced levels of the female sex hormone 17β-estradiol.
This endocrine disruption, particularly its effects on sex hormones, may have long-term adverse effects on physiological health. The research also suggested that long-term environmental exposure to micro- and nanoplastics may have negative consequences for human health, especially as environmental pollution worsens.
Potential health risks of plastic pollution
Plastics have been widely used since World War II. According to earlier Rutgers research, about 9 billion metric tons of plastic were produced worldwide over the past 60 years. About 80% has been exposed to the environment and gradually broken down into particles too small to see. These airborne microplastics may be inhaled in daily life.
The effects of micro- and nanoplastics on human health remain under study, but Professor Stapleton noted that growing research shows plastic chemical additives can disrupt the endocrine system, prompting worldwide concern.
“There are still very few ways to reduce exposure. We can try to limit it by choosing natural-fiber clothing and avoiding plastic food containers, but tiny plastic particles may already be present in every breath we take,” Professor Stapleton said.
Conclusion and outlook
The study offers a new perspective on the health effects of plastic pollution, particularly the potential endocrine-disrupting effects of plastic particles themselves. Further research may help improve the assessment and management of health risks from microplastics.
News | Study Finds Endocrine-Disrupting Effects of Micro- and Nanoplastic Particles
News | Study Finds Endocrine-Disrupting Effects of Micro- and Nanoplastic Particles
As evidence grows that plastic additives may disrupt sex hormones, a new laboratory study from Rutgers University suggests that plastic particles themselves, particularly when inhaled at moderate concentrations, can also disrupt the endocrine system and affect health.
Background and findings
Earlier studies focused mainly on chemicals used to make plastics harder or more flexible, such as bisphenol A (BPA), prompting an ongoing search for safer additives. The latest Rutgers study took a different approach and found that inhaled micro- and nanoscale nylon plastic particles (polyamide) caused endocrine disruption and changes in sex hormone levels in female laboratory rats.
The researchers suggested that inhaling these particles may help explain health trends including rising obesity and declining fertility. Phoebe Stapleton, an assistant professor at the Rutgers University School of Pharmacy and lead author, said, “Previous research has focused almost entirely on how chemical additives affect the endocrine system. Our study is the first to show that plastic particles themselves, rather than the plasticizing chemicals they contain, directly cause endocrine disruption.”
Methods and innovation
The study also used an innovative exposure method. Earlier research generally exposed animals to plastic particles through injection or feeding, while this study simulated how people inhale micro- and nanoplastics. The team aerosolized food-grade nylon particles and carried them through the air to the rats, closely approximating everyday inhalation of microplastics.
The researchers used powder-fine nylon particles and vibrations from a bass speaker to disperse them into the air for the female rats to inhale during a single 24-hour exposure.
Results and implications
Although inhaled micro- and nanoplastics were deposited throughout the rats' lungs, the preliminary results found no significant pulmonary inflammation. Researchers did observe changes in vascular function and reduced levels of the female sex hormone 17β-estradiol.
This endocrine disruption, particularly its effects on sex hormones, may have long-term adverse effects on physiological health. The research also suggested that long-term environmental exposure to micro- and nanoplastics may have negative consequences for human health, especially as environmental pollution worsens.
Potential health risks of plastic pollution
Plastics have been widely used since World War II. According to earlier Rutgers research, about 9 billion metric tons of plastic were produced worldwide over the past 60 years. About 80% has been exposed to the environment and gradually broken down into particles too small to see. These airborne microplastics may be inhaled in daily life.
The effects of micro- and nanoplastics on human health remain under study, but Professor Stapleton noted that growing research shows plastic chemical additives can disrupt the endocrine system, prompting worldwide concern.
“There are still very few ways to reduce exposure. We can try to limit it by choosing natural-fiber clothing and avoiding plastic food containers, but tiny plastic particles may already be present in every breath we take,” Professor Stapleton said.
Conclusion and outlook
The study offers a new perspective on the health effects of plastic pollution, particularly the potential endocrine-disrupting effects of plastic particles themselves. Further research may help improve the assessment and management of health risks from microplastics.
Source:
Collected online