A recent study has found a strong association between the presence of marine microplastics in ocean water and increased disability rates among residents living in coastal areas of the United States. Researchers investigated the relationship between microplastic levels and neurological disabilities, including those related to memory, thinking, mobility, and independent living.
The study, led by Dr. Sarju Ganatra, analyzed data from 218 U.S.-based coastal-adjacent counties and found that residents living in areas with “very high” levels of marine microplastics had significantly higher rates of disabilities compared to those living in areas with low microplastic levels.
Specifically, the study found a 9% increase in memory and thinking disabilities, a 6% increase in mobility disabilities, a 16% increase in self-care disabilities, and an 8% increase in independent living disabilities among residents living in coastal areas with high microplastic levels. These findings suggest that exposure to marine microplastics may play a role in the development of cognitive decline and other neurological disabilities.
Ganatra noted that the amount of plastic in different areas can vary due to ocean currents, and other factors such as population density, local waste management, and industrial activities may also contribute to this relationship. The study’s results highlight the need for further investigation into the complex interplay between environmental and human-related factors that may be driving this association.
The findings will be presented at the American Academy of Neurology Annual Meeting in San Diego from April 5 to April 9.
Source: https://www.healio.com/news/neurology/20250403/microplastics-in-oceans-may-increase-disability-risk-among-coastal-populations