A new study suggests that people living in coastal areas with high levels of microplastics may be at a greater risk of disabilities affecting memory, mobility, and self-care. Researchers analyzed data from 218 coastal counties in the US and found a significant association between high microplastic exposure and increased disability rates.
Tiny plastic particles in the ocean, known as marine microplastics, are tiny fragments less than 5 millimeters in size that originate from broken-down plastic waste, face scrubs, fishing nets, food wrappers, and takeout containers. The study looked at four groups of counties based on marine microplastic levels: low, medium, high, and very high.
In the highest exposure group, residents had a higher prevalence of thinking and memory disabilities (15.2%), mobility disabilities (14.1%), self-care disabilities (4.2%), and independent living disabilities (8.5%) compared to those in the lowest exposure group.
However, after adjusting for other health factors such as heart disease, stroke, depression, air pollution, and wealth distribution, the study found a 9% higher rate of disability in memory and thinking, a 6% higher disability in mobility, a 16% higher disability in self-care, and an 8% higher disability in independent living.
The researchers emphasize that more research is needed to explore this connection further and examine the overall public health implications of microplastic pollution. The study highlights the complex factors at play, including ocean currents, population density, local waste management, and industrial activities.
Source: https://scitechdaily.com/new-study-reveals-alarming-connection-between-microplastics-and-neurological-decline