{"id":46616,"date":"2024-04-22T09:41:26","date_gmt":"2024-04-22T08:41:26","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.innovationnewsnetwork.com\/?p=46616"},"modified":"2024-04-22T09:41:26","modified_gmt":"2024-04-22T08:41:26","slug":"microplastics-transfer-toxic-chemicals-through-skin","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.innovationnewsnetwork.com\/microplastics-transfer-toxic-chemicals-through-skin\/46616\/","title":{"rendered":"Microplastics transfer toxic chemicals through skin"},"content":{"rendered":"
The research presents the first experimental evidence that toxic chemicals used to create flame-proof materials can be absorbed via the skin<\/a> through contact with microplastics.<\/p>\n The findings underscore the potential health risks associated with exposure to flame-retardant and plasticiser chemicals, which persist in various everyday items despite being banned due to their harmful effects.<\/p>\n The study reveals that chemicals used in flame retardants and plasticisers, once embedded in microplastics, can leach into human sweat and subsequently penetrate the skin barrier, entering the bloodstream.<\/p>\n This discovery highlights a previously unrecognised route of exposure to these hazardous substances, raising alarms about their impact on human health.<\/p>\n Dr Ovokeroye Abafe of Brunel University, who was involved in the study while at the University of Birmingham, explained: “Microplastics are everywhere in the environment, and yet we still know relatively little about the health problems that they can cause.<\/p>\n “Our research shows that they play a role as ‘carriers’ of harmful chemicals, which can get into our bloodstream through the skin.<\/p>\n “These chemicals are persistent, so with continuous or regular exposure to them, there will be a gradual accumulation to the point where they start to cause harm.”<\/p>\n Despite regulatory measures, many of these toxic chemicals used as flame retardants and plasticisers persist in the environment, lingering in older electronics, furniture, carpets, and building materials.<\/p>\n These chemicals are known to seriously affect human health, causing damage to the liver and nervous system, heightening the risk of cancer, and impacting reproductive health.<\/p>\n This persistence amplifies the potential for human exposure, especially considering the widespread prevalence of microplastics in the environment.<\/p>\n In experiments conducted by the research team, innovative 3D human skin models were utilised as alternatives to traditional laboratory animals and excised human tissues.<\/p>\n Over a 24-hour period, these models were exposed to microplastics containing polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs), a common flame-retardant chemical group.<\/p>\n The study demonstrated that up to 8% of the chemicals present in the microplastics could be absorbed by the skin.<\/p>\n Moreover, the level of absorption was found to be influenced by the hydration level of the skin, with more hydrated skin showing higher rates of chemical uptake.<\/p>\n These findings provide crucial insight into the mechanisms through which toxic chemicals from microplastics contribute to the body’s burden of pollutants.<\/p>\n Dr Mohamed Abdallah, Associate Professor of Environmental Sciences at the University of Birmingham, added: “These findings provide important evidence for regulators and policymakers to improve legislation around microplastics<\/a> and safeguard public health against harmful exposure.”<\/p>\nPersistent environmental contaminants<\/h3>\n
Simulating exposure to microplastic chemicals<\/h3>\n
Concerning absorption results<\/h3>\n