Medizinische Universität Graz Austria/Österreich - Forschungsportal - Medical University of Graz
Gewählte Publikation:
Kircher, L.
Microplastic in surgery
Humanmedizin; [ Diplomarbeit ] Medizinische Universität Graz; 2024. pp. 62
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- Autor*innen der Med Uni Graz:
- Betreuer*innen:
- Hau Hans-Michael
- Stiegler Philipp
- Altmetrics:
- Abstract:
- Introduction: With the rising production and consumption of petroleum-based plastics came the problem of new waste-materials entering the flow of resources. In 2022 alone 400 Mt of plastics were added to the world economy. Despite significant efforts in the last few years, 80% of plastics still ends up in landfills or directly in the environment. While plastics are barely biodegradable, mechanical and chemical forces degrade and disintegrate them until they reach sizes of 5mm and less. Once at that size Micro- and Nanoplastics can easily interact with the biosphere. Research indicates that MNPs can accumulate in the gastrointestinal tract and the lungs of animals, where they can cause irritation, inflammation, dysbiosis and the introduction of other harmful substances, such as EDCs and pathogens. Once small enough MNPs have been shown to be able to enter the bloodstream as well, potentially causing further damage in Organs of accumulation such as the liver, the kidneys or arterial walls.