AUSTRIA: Scientists at the University of Vienna have made a startling discovery in their latest experiment involving plastic particles. The study conducted on mice found that plastic particles could reach the brain by breaking the blood-brain barrier.
Humans may be more susceptible to inflammation, neurological conditions, and neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s as a result, which could have significant health effects.
Plastic pollution has been a major concern for environmentalists for decades, and the problem is only worsening. Plastic is everywhere and used to manufacture a wide range of products, from milk cartons to window frames. Most of the human body’s organs, blood, placenta, breast milk, and digestive system have all been shown to include plastic.
Experts from Hungary, the Netherlands, the United States, and Austria were part of the research team. The rapidity with which plastic particles crossed the blood-brain barrier in the mice startled them. By preventing the passage of poisons and other hazardous substances, the blood-brain wall is an essential defence mechanism that protects the brain from potential threats.
The researchers used computer models to discover that a certain surface structure, called the biomolecular corona, was crucial in enabling plastic particles to pass into the brain. This discovery raises concerns about the potential health impacts of plastic pollution, particularly concerning the chemicals found in various types of plastic, known as carcinogens and hormone disruptors.
“Once in the brain, plastic particles could increase the risk of inflammation, neurological disorders, or even neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s or Parkinson’s,” said Lukas Kenner, the study’s lead author, in a release. However, he added that more investigation is required to establish the connection between plastics and these brain disorders.
Only particles smaller than 0.293 micrometres could cross the blood-brain barrier after entering the digestive tract, according to the team’s study published in a journal. This raises questions about the possible dangers of ingesting even minute amounts of plastic in our food or water.
Overall, this latest research adds to the growing body of evidence that plastic pollution is a major threat to human health and the environment. It highlights the need for urgent action to reduce plastic consumption and find alternative materials that are safer for both humans and the planet.
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