June 4, 2025 (press release) –
Key Highlights:
* A new study links microplastics in ocean waters to increased disability rates in coastal communities, with higher rates of cognitive decline, mobility issues, and self-care disabilities.
* The study found that people living in counties with high marine microplastic levels showed a 9% higher rate of disability in memory and thinking, a 6% higher disability in mobility, a 16% higher disability in self-care, and an 8% higher disability in independent living.
* The researchers analyzed data from 218 coastal counties in the US and found that counties with very high levels of microplastics had more than 1,000 microplastic pieces per cubic meter of ocean water.
Original Press Release:
A groundbreaking new study reveals a troubling link between plastic pollution in ocean waters and an increased prevalence of disabilities among coastal residents. A preliminary study led by physician-researchers at
Marine micro- and nanoplastics (MNPs) are microscopic pieces of plastic, less than five millimeters in length, found in oceans and seas. They come from broken-down plastic trash, such as fishing gear and soda bottles or products like face scrubs. Marine plastics are recognized as emerging risk factors contributing to cognitive decline; the current study is among the first to document the association between population-level marine microplastic levels (MMLs) and the prevalence of disabilities related to cognition, mobility, self-care, and independent living. However, the investigators say the risk posed by plastic pollution is not limited to coastal residents.
“So many things are packaged in plastic – we are all exposed to it when we drink water or soda from a plastic bottle,” said senior author
Ganatra and colleagues looked at 218 coastal counties in
After adjusting for factors that could affect the rate of disability such as heart disease, stroke, depression, air pollution and wealth and resource distribution, Ganatra and colleagues found that people living in counties with the highest marine microplastic levels showed a 9 percent higher rate of disability in memory and thinking, a 6 percent higher disability in mobility, a 16 percent higher disability in self-care, and an 8 percent higher disability in independent living when compared to residents of counties with the lowest levels.
While more research is needed to explore the overall public health implications of microplastic pollution, Ganatra suggests it’s time to rethink how those bits of plastic got there in the first place.
“So many things are packed in plastic packaging that weren’t 20 years ago – are we better off?” Ganatra said. “Until now, we have been throwing this waste away and expecting it to disappear to the developing world. It turns out, we are all in this together on this planet.”
Co-Authors included
The authors declare no conflicts of interest.
About
Lahey Hospital & Medical Center (LHMC) is a world-renowned tertiary academic medical center known for its innovative technology, pioneering medical treatments and leading-edge research. As a physician-led hospital, LHMC offers a legacy of care and education committed to putting the patient at the center through a multidisciplinary, collaborative and team-based approach. LHMC’s research efforts and clinical trials cross numerous medical disciplines, providing patients with access to the latest options in treatment and care.
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