Microplasty in the air: Danger for healthy lung cells!

Microplasty in the air: Danger for healthy lung cells!

Wien, Österreich - in Vienna is time to think about the health effects of microplastics. A current research team from MedUni Vienna has published alarming knowledge about the interactions of micro and nanoplasty (MNPS) with lung cells. Under the direction of Karin Schelch and Co-Studien Manager Balazs, the publication of the Journal of Hazardous Materials found that certain plastic particles, in particular polystyrene micro and nanoplasty, can cause significantly damage to healthy cells. MedUni Vienna.

The first author of the study, Büsra Ernhofer, indicates that healthy lung cells absorb the smaller PS MNPs with a size of 0.00025 mm more than malignant cancer cells. This could pave the way for future malignant changes that could be recognized early in the best case. The biological reactions of the healthy cells are not to be underestimated, because they contained increased cell migration, damage to the DNA and oxidative stress that weakens the cells.

cancer risk from microplastics

particularly worrying is the determination that the ability of the healthy cells for the DNA repair is greatly reduced by exposure to PS-MNPs. As a result, this could lead to further mutagenal changes. The long-term effects of MNP exposure are not yet fully understood, but they could influence healthy cells towards malignant changes. The researchers emphasize the need for interdisciplinary approaches between environmental medicine and cancer biology to effectively counter these challenges.

In addition, in an earlier comparative study, various cell types, such as CACO-2 cells, react differently to exposure with plastic parts in varying concentrations. These reactions ranged from demonstrable oxidative stress to cellular adaptation mechanisms, which in some cases can be fatal. Interesting data show that the size of the particles and the concentrations used play a decisive role.

urgent need for action

In view of the overwhelming evidence that show the harmful effects of microplastics, the researchers underline the urgent need for measures to reduce plastic waste. It is important to tackle here, because without determined steps, the entire health situation could be severely affected in the coming years. At a time when the world is already fighting with numerous environmental problems, it is all the more important that both science and society take care of this topic.

The study results not only offer a critical look at the risks of microplastics in the air, but also a chance for a more comprehensive discussion about how we can re -evaluate our handling of plastic for a healthier future. There is still a lot to do to counter the challenges of microplasty contamination and to find solutions through targeted research and practice.

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OrtWien, Österreich
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