A preliminary study presented at the American Academy of Neurology’s 77th Annual Meeting suggests a potential link between higher microplastic pollution in coastal communities and increased rates of disabilities affecting memory, thinking, mobility, and self-care. While the study does not conclusively prove that microplastics cause disabilities, it raises concerns about the impact of marine pollution on neurological health.
Study Links High Microplastic Pollution in Coastal Areas to Increased Disability Rates
Marine microplastics are tiny plastic fragments, less than 5 millimetres in size, originating from degraded plastic waste, such as food wrappers, fishing nets, and cosmetic products like face scrubs. Dr. Sarju Ganatra, a researcher at Lahey Hospital and Medical Centre, explained that the environment plays a crucial role in health, and pollution may contribute to cognitive decline and neurological disabilities. The study found that coastal communities with higher levels of microplastic pollution showed increased rates of disabilities, particularly affecting thinking, memory, mobility, and self-care.
Researchers analyzed 218 coastal counties across 22 U.S. states, categorizing them into four groups based on microplastic levels in the ocean: low, medium, high, and very high. Areas with very high microplastic levels had over 1,000 pieces per cubic meter, while low-exposure areas had fewer than 10. The study revealed that areas with the highest microplastic levels had 9% higher rates of memory and thinking disabilities, 6% higher rates of mobility disabilities, and 16% higher rates of self-care disabilities compared to low-exposure areas.
Link Between Microplastics and Disabilities Remains, Further Research Needed
Even after adjusting for factors like heart disease, stroke, air pollution, and socioeconomic conditions, the link between microplastic exposure and disabilities remained significant. Dr. Ganatra emphasized that more research is needed to understand how marine microplastics might affect brain health and its public health implications. However, the study’s limitations include a short data period, not tracking long-term changes in microplastic levels or disability rates.
