Mobility, self-care, independent living disability higher in areas with high microplastics.
Mobility, self-care, independent living disability higher in areas with high microplastics.
Tiny bits of plastic found in the ocean may be tied to a higher risk of disability for people who live in coastal areas with high levels, according to a preliminary study released today, February 25, 2025, that will be presented at the American Academy of Neurology's 77th Annual Meeting taking place April 5–9, 2025, in San Diego and online. The study looked at disabilities affecting memory and thinking, mobility and a person’s ability to take care of oneself.
The study does not prove that microplastics cause disabilities; it only shows an association.
Marine microplastics are microscopic pieces of plastic, less than 5 millimeters in length, found in oceans and seas. They come from broken-down plastic trash or products like face scrubs, fishing nets and food wrappers or take-out containers.
Read more at American Academy of Neurology
Photo Credit: Oregon State University via Wikimedia Commons
