Many of these cancer cases, which cannot be readily explained by genetics, diet, or lifestyle factors, have puzzled scientists until now.
Researchers in California have concluded that exposure to microplastics may be a contributing factor in the rise of colon and lung cancer cases.
A study published in ACS Publications Environmental Science & Technology reported: “We concluded that exposure to microplastics is ‘suspected’ to adversely impact the colon and small intestine in humans.”
Furthermore, microplastics are believed to cause chronic inflammation and weaken the immune system.
The study continued: “Across the outcomes, we identified that exposure to microplastics is ‘suspected’ to be a digestive hazard to humans, including a suspected link to colon cancer, using the key characteristics of carcinogens approach.”
The research also indicates that microplastics may affect fertility and reduce sperm count in men, while also impacting the ovaries and placenta in women.
These particles can lead to inflammation in the respiratory tract, potentially increasing the risk of lung cancer.
The researchers pointed out: “Microplastics are widespread and mobile in the environment, being detected in air, surface water, coastal beaches, sediment, and food.”
“They have been found in remote and untouched areas, such as the Antarctic, deep ocean trenches, and Arctic sea ice.”
“Due to their small size, microplastics more easily enter and are distributed in the human body in comparison to larger particles; microplastics have been measured in human placenta, breastmilk, and liver.”
Tracey J. Woodruff, a professor of obstetrics, gynecology, and reproductive sciences and senior author of the study, remarked: “These microplastics are basically particulate matter air pollution, and we know this type of air pollution is harmful.”
This research could serve as a wake-up call for companies worldwide that produce large quantities of plastics each year.
In fact, around 460 million metric tons of plastic were produced last year, with projections estimating that figure to rise to 1.1 billion by 2050.
Nicholas Chartres, the study’s lead author, stated: “We urge regulatory agencies and policy leaders to consider the growing evidence of health harms from microplastics, including colon and lung cancer.”