Microplastics in our organs could be tied to disease, Chinese researchers say
Microplastics in our organs could be tied to disease, Chinese researchers say
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Microplastics fill the air, water, and our bodies — but experts are still learning more about the particles’ effects on humans. Microplastics that have been found in human organs have “alarming links” to adverse health impacts, including lesions, cervical cancer, and other diseases, researchers suggest.
![[Scientists say the presence of microplastics and nanoplastics is 'positively correlated' with the occurrence of tissue lesions, such as cervical cancer]](https://static.independent.co.uk/2024/12/31/20/iStock-908134184.jpg)
Now, an analysis from Chinese academics has indicated a correlation between microplastic accumulation and disease, like tissue cancer, stressing the urgent need to more accurately determine hazards related to these plastic particles in humans. “[Microplastics] with different types, shapes, and sizes have been detected in various human systems. Notably, the occurrence of [these plastics] is markedly correlated with corresponding lesions and diseases, which is the key evidence that [they] harm human health,” the authors wrote.
Cluster analysis is a statistical method for data processing that is used to group similar objects into respective categories. Notably, it is still unclear if the plastic results in damage that leads to disease, or if they appear in tissue that has already been damaged.
