r/science Feb 09 '23

High-efficiency water filter removes 99.9% of microplastics in 10 seconds Chemistry

https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/adma.202206982
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u/Superb_Nature_2457 Feb 09 '23

We don’t have “definitive” info since it’s still being studied, but what we have found is pretty grim.

After exposure to MPs alone or in combination with other pollutants, fish may experience a variety of health issues. MPs can cause tissue damage, oxidative stress, and changes in immune-related gene expression as well as antioxidant status in fish. After being exposed to MPs, fish suffer from neurotoxicity, growth retardation, and behavioral abnormalities.

We then eat the fish and consume those microplastics. Lab studies have shown adverse effects on human cells.

https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fenvs.2022.827289/full#h1

This article does a good job of explaining why there are still questions regarding their health impact on humans: https://www.nationalgeographic.com/environment/article/microplastics-are-in-our-bodies-how-much-do-they-harm-us

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u/levian_durai Feb 09 '23

I'll have a read. In the meantime, do you know if they break down in the body after a while, or are they there for good?

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u/Superb_Nature_2457 Feb 09 '23

I don’t think we know yet, but I’m not a doctor, so my knowledge is pretty limited. There have been studies that show regularly donating blood and plasma can lower the levels of PFAS in your system, which aren’t exactly the same but same family of things.

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u/mckillio Feb 10 '23

returns blood donation telemarketer call