Microplastics, which contain “permanent chemicals,” add $250 billion annually to U.S. health care costs, according to a recent report. study Conducted by researchers at New York University, daily mail report.
chemicals known as perfluoroalkyl substances or polyfluoroalkyl substances, or PFAS, is man-made and used in many products, including nonstick cookware, water-repellent clothing, stain-resistant fabrics, cleaning products, cosmetics, and firefighting foam.by Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry, Humans can also be exposed to PFAS by drinking contaminated water or eating contaminated food. These substances are called “eternal chemicals” because they do not break down.
According to 2020 study Published by the National Institutes of Health's National Library of Medicine, PFAS are linked to several causes, including “alterations in immune and thyroid function, liver disease, lipid and insulin dysregulation, kidney disease, adverse reproductive and developmental effects, and cancer.” It has been linked to health problems.
Additionally, microplastics have been linked to gut microbiome disruption, inflammation, infertility, cancer, and heart disease. According to New York University researchers, the medical costs of exposure to microplastics in 2018 were $289 billion, about $86 billion more than COVID-19.
“Plastics are a significant contributor to disease and associated social costs in the United States, accounting for 1.22% of gross domestic product. As long as exposure continues at current levels, the costs of plastic pollution will continue to accumulate. ” concludes the study.
“Diseases caused by plastics span the entire life course, from premature birth to obesity, heart disease and cancer,” said Dr. Leonardo Trasande, an internist and lead author of the study.
A June study found that humans may be inhaling 16.2 bits of plastic per hour, or the equivalent of one credit card per week, Blaze News previously reported.
Microplastics smaller than 5 millimeters can be found in water systems and food products. Small pieces of plastic can get stuck in tissues and enter the bloodstream, causing inflammation.
another analysis A paper published Monday found that almost 90% of proteins contain microplastics. The study, conducted by researchers at the Ocean Conservancy and the University of Toronto, tested shrimp, fish sticks, fish fillets, chicken nuggets, top sirloin steak, pork loin chops, chicken breast, tofu, and other plant-based foods. Replacement.
“This is a startling reminder of how pervasive plastic pollution is. Humans live on land, but seafood samples are just as likely to be contaminated with plastic as land-based proteins.” ,” said study co-author Dr. Britta Bechler. “And no matter what we eat, we can't seem to escape them. The plastic pollution crisis affects us all and we need to take action to address its various forms. .”
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