Policy suggested:
Ban the usage of polystyrene/styrofoam.
First, here is a study and a quote from the study. About how these plastic nano particles can penetrate skin and membranes in the cells of living organisms. Note how they also underline the likely accumulation along the food chain, meaning it can accumulate in food people eat.
"Plastic may be degraded into micro-particles < 5000 nm in diameter, and further into nanoparticles (NPs) < 100 nm in diameter. NPs have been detected in air, soil, water and sludge.
One of the most commonly used plastics is polystyrene (PS) - a product of polymerization of styrene monomers. It is used for the production of styrofoam and other products like toys, CDs and cup covers. In vivo and in vitro studies have suggested that polystyrene nanoparticles (PS-NPs) may penetrate organisms through several routes i.e. skin, respiratory and digestive tracts. They can be deposited in living organisms and accumulate further along the food chain. NPs are surrounded by “protein corona” that allows them penetrating cellular membranes and interacting with cellular structures."
Here is then a study where studied polystyrene nanoplastic accumulation in fish and their organs.
Study 2: Neurotoxicity and endocrine disruption caused by polystyrene nanoparticles in zebrafish embryo - PubMed
NP = nanoplastics
“…Polystyrene nanoplastics (PSNP) were used to evaluate NP toxicity. Our neurobehavioral profiles include a tail coiling assay, a light/dark activity assay, two thigmotaxis anxiety assays (auditory and visual stimuli), and a startle response - habituation assay in response to auditory stimuli. Results show PSNP accumulated in eyes, neuromasts, brain, and digestive system organs. PSNP inhibited acetylcholinesterase and altered endocrine-related gene expression profiles both in the thyroid and glucocorticoid axes. At the whole organism level, we observed altered behaviors such as increased activity and anxiety at lower doses and lethargy at a higher dose, which could be due to a variety of complex mechanisms ranging from sensory organ and central nervous system effects to others such as hormonal imbalances…”
“…In conclusion, this study provides new understanding into NP toxic effects on zebrafish embryo, emphasizing a critical role of endocrine disruption in observed neurotoxic behavioral effects, and improving our understanding of their potential health risks to human populations.”
Bacteria in soil have their biomass decreased, when exposed to polystyrene nanoparticles. As per this third study seen below. This means that it likely affects nature and human health. Since bacteria are part of nature, and part of the human body.
“…Our results showed a significant decrease in microbial biomass in treatments of 100 and 1000 ng PS-NP g−1 DM throughout the incubation period. Dehydrogenase activity and activities of enzymes involved in N-(leucine-aminopeptidase), P-(alkaline-phosphatase), and C-(β-glucosidase and cellobiohydrolase) cycles in the soil were significantly reduced at day 28 suggesting a broad and detrimental impact of PS-NPs on soil microbiota and enzymes.”
About how polystyrene causes inflammation in some parts of the human digestion. Which causes disease related to autoimmune and inflammatory conditions.
First some information about what macrophages are.
“…Macrophages are the major defence against foreign substances in the intestine, and can be polarized into two types: the M1 phenotype and the M2 phenotype…”
Then an explanation about what they saw concerning polystyrene nanoparticles/microplastics. In relation to inflammation and disease. MPs = Microplastics. Take note of how they were able to confirm that some macrophages are affected by the microplastics. Meaning it influences human intestinal body responses.
“…Macrophage polarization imbalance in the local intestinal immune microenvironment is closely linked to the development of autoimmune and autoinflammatory diseases, such as RA and SLE53,54,55. We confirmed the critical point concentration of polystyrene nanoplastics that may promote M1 polarization, serving as a vital dietary reference for these patients. Once these patients have long been consuming MPs-rich diet (plastic takeaways or bottled water), the local concentration of MPs in the intestine may reach a certain limit, and this may promote M1 polarization and aggravate the disease progress…”
Study 5: Polystyrene nanoparticles: Sources, occurrence in the environment, distribution in tissues, accumulation and toxicity to various organisms - ScienceDirect
PS = Polystyrene.
“For many years, we have been observing a rapid increase in plastic production, including PS in the world. This plastic is released into the environment (water, air or soil) in the form of micro- and nanoplastics and occurs in industrialized areas as well as in very clean natural areas like the rocky mountains of the USA. The consequence of this, is the penetration of plastic NPs into living organisms from the lowest (plankton) to the highest trophic level (predators). Accumulation especially in “seafood” such as mussels, shrimps or fish leads to the potential exposure of humans as consumers to the effects of plastic NPs by the oral route. Of course, as we have shown in our paper, human exposure can also result from breathing air polluted with plastic NPs, contaminated drinking water or through skin contact.”
All in all. As can be seen in these studies and quotes. Polystyrene nanoparticles, that are among others found in modern day tatami mats, can get into cells through skin contact, breathing, drinking water. And may cause issues in cells, organs and behaviour of animals. As well as in the digestion and immune system of humans. And it is seen that it causes endocrine disruptive changes and behaviour changes in fish. So when it causes hormonal changes in fish. And accumulates in their organs. What then, does it do to the people that eat those fish?
To answer that question. Here are two final quotes, to finish the email.
Study 6: https://www.mdpi.com/1422-0067/25/22/12166
PS-MNPs = polystyrene micro- and nanoplastics,
“…These particles are persistent, bioaccumulative, and linked to endocrine-disrupting toxicity, posing risks to reproductive health. This review examines the effects of PS-MNPs on mammalian reproductive systems, focusing on oxidative stress, inflammation, and hormonal imbalances. A comprehensive search in the Web of Science Core Collection, following PRISMA 2020 guidelines, identified studies on the impact of PS-MNPs on mammalian fertility, including oogenesis, spermatogenesis, and folliculogenesis. An analysis of 194 publications revealed significant reproductive harm, such as reduced ovarian size, depleted follicular reserves, increased apoptosis in somatic cells, and disrupted estrous cycles in females, along with impaired sperm quality and hormonal imbalances in males. These effects were linked to endocrine disruption, oxidative stress, and inflammation, leading to cellular and molecular damage…”
“…The evidence suggests that the physical presence of PS-MNPs, as well as the toxic chemicals released during their degradation, significantly impact reproductive health, with consequences that span across generations…”
Please spread the word on that we need to phase out plastic. So that we can use other better solutions. That are more compatible with human health and nature.
Thanks!