Scientists have issued a stark warning: tiny plastic fragments known as microplastics and nanoplastics are infiltrating human skeletal tissues, potentially contributing to bone weakness and increased fracture risks.
A comprehensive review of dozens of studies reveals these pollutants lodging in bones, cartilage, and even bone marrow, raising alarms about their role in metabolic bone disorders like osteoporosis.
The analysis, recently published in Osteoporosis International, examined evidence from laboratory experiments, animal models, and human tissue samples. Researchers identified plastic particles in human bones at concentrations of several dozen per gram of tissue.
While direct proof of harm in people is still emerging, lab tests show these particles triggering inflammation, accelerating cellular ageing in bone cells, and disrupting normal development processes.
Lead researcher Rodrigo Bueno de Oliveira, from Brazil’s State University of Campinas, highlighted the findings’ implications.
”Our review indicates that these particles can penetrate deep into bone regions, interfering with marrow function and promoting excessive activity in cells that resorb bone,” he explained.
In animal trials, exposure resulted in structural abnormalities, reduced growth, and higher fracture susceptibility. Animal research further links chronic exposure to impaired blood cell production in marrow and overall skeletal fragility.
These concerns arrive as global osteoporosis rates climb due to ageing populations. Recent projections suggest hip fractures could nearly double by mid-century compared to current levels, straining healthcare systems worldwide.
Pathways of invasion and potential damage
People encounter microplastics daily through breathed air, consumed food and water, and even skin absorption. The smallest fragments, nanoplastics, enter the bloodstream and distribute throughout the body, exploiting the skeleton’s rich vascular network to reach sites of active bone remodelling.
Studies on cells demonstrate that absorbed particles provoke oxidative stress, inflammatory responses, and shifts in stem cell behaviour, favouring overproduction of osteoclasts that degrade bone while hindering supportive osteoblasts.
Beyond bones, these pervasive pollutants appear in organs like the liver, kidneys, heart, and brain, as well as in blood, saliva, breast milk, and placentas. Associated effects include gut disruptions, liver issues, hormonal imbalances, and heightened risks for heart disease and neurological conditions.
Lisa Erdle, science director at the nonprofit 5 Gyres Institute, emphasised the urgency.:
”Evidence from wildlife clearly shows physiological harm, and human studies are revealing parallels like inflammation and oxidative damage,” she noted. ”We have sufficient data to prioritise reduction strategies now.”
Annual global plastic production exceeds 400 million tons, fueling widespread environmental contamination from mountain peaks to ocean trenches.
What you can do about it
Experts advocate source reduction as the most effective defence, given the challenges of removing entrenched particles from ecosystems.
Practical measures include:
- Installing advanced water filters designed to capture microplastics.
- Switching to reusable glass or metal containers and avoiding plastic for food storage or heating.
- Preferring tap water over bottled water, which can contain extraordinarily high nanoplastic levels.
- Selecting clothing and home textiles made from natural fibres to curb synthetic microfiber shedding.
- Boosting consumption of detox-supporting foods like broccoli and other cruciferous vegetables.
- Phasing out disposable plastics, starting with bags, straws, and bottles.
Oliveira’s team is advancing investigations using animal models to assess whether plastic exposure exacerbates bone density loss and compromises femur integrity. ”Identifying controllable factors like this could help explain and mitigate surging fracture trends,” he said.
The message is clear: curbing plastic pollution at its roots offers the best protection for both human health and the planet.
Sources
- National Library of Medicine: Effects of microplastics on the bones
- Science Daily: Scientists discover microplastics deep inside human bones
- Earth: Scientists find microplastics in human bones that are weakening our skeletons
- Epoch Times: Microplastics Found in Human Bones May Accelerate Aging and Weaken Skeleton