A new study strongly suggests that microplastics found in plastic bottles and other everyday items are linked to pancreatic damage.
What happened?
The study, published in the journal BMC Genomics, shows that small particles of polyethylene terephthalate plastic (PET) can have damaging effects on pig pancreatic cells. As The Independent explains, researchers from Poland and Spain used pigs because they are similar to humans in terms of pancreatic function and metabolism.
Pigs were treated with low or high doses to track differences in outcomes. Their results showed that different concentrations of PET particles resulted in changes in protein abundance within the pancreas. Not surprisingly, the higher dose altered 17 proteins, while the lower dose altered 7 proteins, resulting in a more dramatic effect.
PET exposure also results in increased fat accumulation and inflammation in the pancreas, indicating an underlying metabolic disorder. Taken together, all these effects may cause direct damage to the human pancreas exposed to microplastics.
Why is the relationship between PET and pancreatic injury important?
As the researchers point out, our understanding of the dangers of microplastics like PET is still in its early stages.
“Microplastics are a relatively newly discovered environmental hazard that may disrupt many physiological processes in organisms,” they note. While other studies have shown signs that they interfere with pancreatic function, this study provides the best evidence that the link is real — at least in pigs.
The study adds to the growing cause for concern about microplastics. Many other effects include hormone disruption, fertility issues, intestinal problems, and cancer. Given the widespread use of PET plastic, including water bottles, these risks are affecting many people.
At the same time, the impact of plastic waste on the environment is also well-documented. Items such as plastic water bottles contribute significantly to global pollution and harm marine life and ecosystems. When plastics break down, they release toxins that can enter the food chain and water sources and affect human health.
What are we doing to address the health risks posed by exposure to PET plastic?
As evidence mounts that PET plastic is linked to negative health outcomes, experts and scientists are urging consumers and lawmakers to limit plastic use. This latest study adds to momentum for policy changes to limit plastic use and further research to illuminate more risks.
Positive initiatives include finding alternatives to plastic packaging and enacting a ban on plastic water bottles.
A simple solution for consumers is to ditch plastic water bottles and switch to reusable ones. Finding ways to avoid using plastic cutlery, placing food in plastic containers and never heating food or drinks in plastic are other ways to reduce your risk.
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