A new study has found microplastics embedded in human bone tissue, potentially contributing to osteoporosis by disrupting bone health. Researchers detected these particles in all examined samples from middle-aged individuals. The findings highlight growing concerns about plastic pollution's effects on the human body.
In a study published on September 11, 2024, in the journal Nano Today, scientists reported discovering microplastics in human bones for the first time. The research, led by Isabella Wagner and colleagues from an international team, analyzed 40 bone samples collected from individuals aged 30 to 60 who had undergone orthopedic surgery. Every sample contained microplastics, with concentrations ranging from 0.3 to 1.8 particles per gram of bone tissue.
The particles identified included polyethylene (PE), polystyrene (PS), and polyvinyl chloride (PVC), common plastics used in packaging, bottles, and construction materials. "We were surprised to find microplastics not only in the bone marrow but also integrated into the bone structure itself," Wagner said in a statement. The team used advanced techniques like scanning electron microscopy and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry to confirm the presence and composition of these contaminants.
Background on microplastics shows they are tiny fragments less than 5 millimeters in size, originating from the breakdown of larger plastics in the environment. Humans ingest or inhale them through food, water, and air, leading to accumulation in organs. Previous studies have detected microplastics in human blood, lungs, and placentas, but this is the first to document them in bones.
The implications for bone health are concerning. The researchers suggest that microplastics may interfere with bone remodeling, the process where old bone tissue is broken down and replaced with new. This disruption could accelerate bone loss, a key factor in osteoporosis, which affects over 200 million people worldwide and increases fracture risk, especially in older adults. "If microplastics are altering bone density at a cellular level, it could explain rising osteoporosis rates in younger populations," noted co-author Dr. Elena Rossi.
While the study establishes a correlation, causation remains unproven. The samples came from a specific region, and long-term exposure effects require further investigation. Experts call for reduced plastic use and more research into bioaccumulation. Environmental groups have praised the findings as a wake-up call, urging policymakers to address plastic pollution more aggressively.
This discovery adds to the mounting evidence of microplastics' pervasive impact on human health, underscoring the need for global action against plastic waste.