Key facts
- Microplastics in water can generate reactive oxygen species (ROS).
- ROS can damage proteins, lipids, and DNA.
- Six common plastics tested generated radicals.
- Damage to mouse red blood cells correlated with radical production.
A new study published in Nature suggests that microplastics, commonly found in drinking water, may not be chemically inert as previously believed. Researchers at Columbia University demonstrated that the interface between microplastics and water can generate reactive oxygen species (ROS), a family of harmful molecules known to damage biological components like DNA and proteins. The team tested six common plastics, including polyethylene and polypropylene, and found that all generated radicals. The damage observed in mouse red blood cells exposed to polystyrene particles correlated with the amount of radicals produced by the plastic. While the long-term health consequences for humans are still under investigation, the findings indicate a potential mechanism by which microplastics could contribute to disease.